Determining the stages needed to be completed in order to retrieve the necessary resources is a crucial step in improving the chances for the project to succeed. In the cases under analysis, the resources required to conduct the necessary construction works can be purchased with the help of the standard approach, i.e., either by using a credit card, or with cash.
It could be argued, however, that the process could be improved significantly by incorporating digital tools, such as smart cards. Nevertheless, the credit card can be used to buy the required products online and have them delivered to the designated venue. Therefore, it can be assumed that both projects imply similar challenges in the case in point,
The contractual agreements should also be viewed as an essential deciding point when it comes to choosing between the projects. According to the Chinese legal standards, there is a standard for the local projects that is known as the Model Construction Project Contract (Construction and projects in China: Overview, 2016). Approved by the Chinese legal authorities in 1999 and updated in 2013, the regulation implies that an agreement must be made on either a municipal or a statewide level so that the project could be completed.
It is important that the signing of the identified contract implies that the project should be supervised at the state level. In other words, the parties making an agreement will be legally obliged to meet the requirements set in the contract (Zou, Fang, Wang, & Loosemore, 2007).
Since both projects are supposed to be signed with the leaders of the institutions that are under the state regulation, it can be assumed that the provisions of the Model Construction Project Contract are applicable to both of them. Therefore, in terms of possible legal issues, both offers seem quite legitimate and, therefore, worth pursuing.
As far as the choice of the contract form is concerned, one should consider using the framework suggested for local projects. The identified framework will help attain the essential project objectives since it will provide the foil for a careful and consistent supervision of the progress. Thus, a significant improvement in the quality of the outcomes can be expected (Ofori, n.d.).
Tendering Methods, Estimating Methods, Methods of Dispute Resolution
According to the Tendering Law and Construction regulations adopted in 1999 (Zou, 2007), the options for tendering in the construction industry in China are comparatively few. When choosing the defining characteristic of the construction environment in China, in general, and the tendering processes in the identified area, in particular, one must bring up the fact that it is supervised extensively by the government and the local authorities. Therefore, the candidates are expected to follow a set of rigid requirements when submitting the bids. As a result, it is expected that the procedure is going to be comparatively tedious and bureaucratic.
Furthermore, the number of tendering methods in the Chinese construction industry is rather small. Seeing that the governmental control over the processes is rather tight, one must admit that the bidding options are not very numerous. Nevertheless, one may increase the number of opportunities for tendering by considering the provisions of the Fight Bid-rigging Cartels (OECD, 2016).
Bills of Quantities Based on the Standard Method of Measurement and Specification
The process of determining the price of the bid, in China in the realm of the construction industry, one must focus on the process of cost assessment specifically. According to the state regulations, there are five essential stages of the process, each requiring a careful assessment of the financial resources that are available to the bidder. The feasibility stage implies that the expenses and the value of the project should be estimated carefully. Despite the fact that it is rather complicated to determine precisely whether a project is going to be successful or not at the inception stage, it can be assumed that the expansion of the car parking facilities seems to require a fewer number of resources and a significantly smaller amount of time than the one implying the redesign of the sewer system.
The preliminary design stage implies that the essential steps needed to complete the project should be outlined. For the cases under analysis, there are going to be significant differences at the stages involving the use of the infrastructure. While the first project leaves it barely touched, the second one demands that drastic changes should be made to it. The detailed design stage, in its turn, incorporates the elements that may have been overlooked or omitted during the previous phase of the measurement and specification process.
In the course of the identified phase, the bids submitted for the tender are sent to the Tender Bureau so that they could be recorded properly. The identified stage is crucial since it allows for a careful supervision of the essential aspects of the bidding processes by an independent party. As a result, the threat of fraud or any other factor that may cause harm to any of the participants involved can be driven to zero.
In the suggested scenarios, it is desirable that the supervision process should be consistent and unceasing. Therefore, the first project as the one that implies a tighter security and, thus, a more careful and accurate compliance with the existing contractual standards and the current obligations, should be viewed as a more beneficial one (The construction sector in China, 2013).
Indeed, as the bill of quantities for the first project shows (Figure 1), the number of expenses to be taken in order to manage the tasks and create a sustainable economic environment for the project are considerably less numerous than the ones for the second one (Figure 2).
Figure 1. South Cultural District Infrastructure Works: Priced Bills of Quantities.Figure 2. USD Pkants and Facilities: Priced Bills of Quantities.
As stressed above, the identified difference can be explained by the need to alter the existing infrastructure. Seeing that the latter is fraught with numerous risks, including the failure to design a new and improved infrastructure and, therefore, failing to meet the project requirements, it can be viewed as an undesirable route to take.
Zou, P. X. W. (2007). An overview of China’s construction project tendering. The International Journal of Construction Management, 1(1), 23- 39.
Zou, P. X. W., Fang, D., Wang, S. Q, & Loosemore, M. (2007). An overview of the Chinese construction market and construction management practice. Journal of Technology Management, 2(2), 163-176.
The principle objective of this project is to enhance travel to and from South Wales across the Murray River using the easiest and cheapest option.
Project Background and Rationale
ABC Infrastructure Engineering Group Inc. has been awarded with a Design and Construct Contract from Federal Government of Australia to construct a multi-purpose bridge across the Murray River from and to South Wales. The bridge is to be named the “The Murray River Bypass”.
The proposed new and only multipurpose bridge across the Murray River will greatly reduce traffic from the existing Victoria Bridge. The bridge will greatly enhance efficiency of delivery of goods and services between the two cities. This proposed bridge will provide safe crossing for local commuters, encourage walking, and cycling as an alternative option of transport.
The project has been commissioned following extreme pressure from local residents, businesspeople, and politicians regarding too much time taken to make trade across the two towns. The distance between the two towns using the Victoria Bridge is twice as much as the “The Murray River Bypass” which will cut through the river almost at the mid level.
Pundits reckon that business between the two towns will increase two folds and there is likely to be increased tourism. The latter is because of the scenic nature the new way will create interest from commuters. Hence, landowners along the new route will most likely come up with ways to shore up tourism to attract residents of the two towns (Gray and Larson, 70).
Project Manager’s Involvement
The project manager at Murray River project controls and coordinates the project through the managerial actions of planning, organizing, and leading, among others. Project managers’ actions are constantly aimed at change, while other managers’ jobs involve maintaining a stable working environment.
Thus, the Murray River project manager has to be a team manager, by interacting with project members, from the General Manager, Construction Managers, and Engineers to the builders, drillers, and technicians at the site. As the Murray River project involves international expertise, the project manager has to build team ethos in a multicultural and multilingual group of project staff.
Earning the respect of the team is crucial for the project manager; therefore, he/she must be a person of utmost honesty, integrity, and vision. The project manager shall control the project constraints to ensure that everything goes as planned. These constraints include time, quality, cost, and scope.
The manager will do this by checking project specifications, schedule, and the budget allocations. The project manager will use the tools outlined previously for that purpose (Chase and Jacobs 200). Some of them are discussed below (Control Point Identification Chart and Milestone Chart).
Control Point Identification Chart
The chart below will be useful for tracking areas that may go wrong and anticipating ways in which the project manager will solve the problems to avoid nasty surprises.
Table 1 Control Point Identification Chart
Control Parameter
What is likely to go wrong?
How and when to indentify
The solution
Quality
There may be less qualified employees
Personal inspection of every stage
Substandard work to be redone
Cost/Budget
Cost of any sub-unit may exceed budget
When sale deals are sealed
Seek alternative partners, consider alternative materials’ input
Time/Schedule
Time to complete any sub unit may exceed schedule
Monitoring progress along critical path of network diagram
Improve efficiency, recoup time from other areas, consider overtime if within budget
Milestone Charts
This powerful implementation tool clearly summarizes the status of a project by highlighting key events. Milestone charts state what events in the project’s life have been completed.
In addition, the chart states the duration it took to complete the events, and, whether this is the duration, the project manager had scheduled for the event (Chase and Jacobs 206). Hence, the manager continually records the variance between the actual and scheduled times. In addition, it outlines the remaining events and the project manager’s anticipated completion time.
The project manager develops the project charter. A project charter is the only stage, which gives an estimation of the costs associated with the project. This is crucial as it defines the scope, performance, quality, and time factors of the project.
A project charter also looks critically at the benefits that the project will accrue both from an economic and social standpoint. Additionally, it helps in determining organizational, financial, and technical capabilities of both the individuals and the company. Conclusively, it is a crucial starting point towards implementation of the project (Gray and Larson 190).
Key Players Involved with Project Manager
The government
The Australian government issued a contract to ABC Infrastructure Engineering Group Inc after an intensive tendering process. The process involved background checks capability analyses and submission of estimates of various variables for the project. These include costs, schedule, and possible sub contractor partnerships. The project manager played a key role (Kloppenborg 70).
Subcontractors
The project will require the input of subcontractors for supplies and other extension services. The project manager will be in direct contact at all times.
Engineers
The engineers will be crucial in specifying materials, designs and the actual construction of the bridge. Since they form a crucial part of the project, they will be in constant contact with the project manager.
Roles and Responsibilities of Project Manager
Communication
In order to keep the work going on smoothly, it is very crucial to maintain an organized workforce. The project manager is an expert in leadership qualities. He knows how to handle such a huge workforce. He addresses them sympathetically and asks for any problems that they might have.
This behavior of the project manager garners honor and respect for him. The workers come forward and express their problems and in turn, the project manager tries his level best to find solutions. An example of a communication matrix is outlined below (Gray and Larson 160).
Information
Provider
Recipient(s)
Frequency
Medium
Location
Status Report
PM
Project Directors
Every 1.5 Months
Presentation
Government headquarters
Report
Engineer
Project Manager
4 weeks
Email
Share point
Budget Performance
Accountant
Project Manager
4 weeks
Email
Share Point
Risk Identification
The project manager indentifies risks to ensure the project does not run into future problems and if it does, the risk is already anticipated. The following is an example of a risk (Kloppenborg 78).
Technical Risk
Technical risks may be occasioned by:
Errors occasioned by design and construction
Poor planning is the main reason for the occurrence of previous technical risk
Quality assurance checklists are an important to curb technical risks
Scheduling and Planning
Scheduling often begins in a tentative manner. Detailed schedules are developed as the process proceeds. This requires consistent communication between the project manager and project stakeholders, as they will need to be informed of scheduling changes or delays in implementation. It is due to the tentative nature of scheduling that cost control is also a dynamic process.
The initial schedule and cost estimates need to be revised in the light of new information acquired during the project lifespan. This means that scheduling and cost control will fluctuate during the project, as the project manager adjusts to changing circumstances (Kloppenborg 80).
Checking Project Parameters
For companies engaged in future construction, the right forecast of the future project cost is very significant. The Murray River Project Plan is the basis of the project scheduling and cost control. Once the prospective subcontractors have been informed of the deadline for completion of their subcontracts, they submit their bids.
Those, which fit within the project plan parameters of time cost and quality, are selected and given permission to proceed. This is carried out at the specification phase. However, this is an ongoing process, as a subcontractor may go over budget. This is the responsibility of the particular subcontractor involved, who will cover all extra costs. The project manager oversees that.
Dealing with other stakeholders
The project manager deals with all stakeholders involved in the project including the government, local community, sub contractors, among others.
Drawing the project charter
The project management lifecycle is challenging. A project manager’s failure to draw up a charter to look into the future may prove costly during implementation because of the probable resistance from the teams tasked with its implementation.
Additionally, financial and technical assistance may not be forthcoming. Therefore, a project charter should be the first step in the success of a project (Chase and Jacobs 567). There may be poor estimation and forecasting because of lack of professionals, which may prove costly as budgets, returns, and social benefits may be skewed against the project manager. This may have detrimental impact to the scope and time constraints of a project.
Carrying out feasibility analyses
The project management lifecycle is a costly affair. It requires financial input. In the initial stages, pre-feasibility and feasibility analyses may prove that a project mission and vision is not viable. However, resources will have being used by the organization (project manager) to carry out the study.
The organization may lack proper people to implement the project. Bringing together people to work and fit in the culture of an organization may prove hectic. Training, which uses resources, may be required. Management of the groups while working towards the project’s mission may also be hard work for the project manager (Chase and Jacobs 500).
Works Cited
Chase, Richard, and Jacobs Richard. Operations Management for Competitive Advantage, New York: McGraw Irwin, 2006. Print.
Gray, Carlos, and Larson Edwin. Project Management: The Managerial Process, Singapore: McGraw–Hill Education, 2008. Print.
Project management encompasses monitoring of the activities of a project until its completion. The task of the project managers is to oversee the activities of the project until its completion. Unlike programs, projects have time limits that have to be attained as stipulated by terms and conditions of engagement. It would also be a process of generating ideas and implementing activities that lead to production of a unique product for a firm (Lewis 2006, p4).
In the case of coming up with new products, completion of the project would make the work of the product manager easier. The task of the managers in this field involves laying strategies that would ensure success of projects that are satisfactory to the requirements (Frigenti & Comninos 2001, p18).
The techniques used in this field have been researched on by experts leading to substantial achievements regarding the subject.
An inclusive definition would encompass aspects of the project having a beginning and an end that are defined. It also applies various tools that would be used to evaluate the work done to monitor its progress. This is aimed at reducing risks associate with failure and increases chances of success (Lock 2007, p29).
Time saving is an aspect that is taken into much consideration by passengers and the firms that own planes by which passengers travel. Time saving is an issue that is required in the baggage section of the airports.
Customers would want their luggage presented to them in time so that they would proceed with other activities. Planning and managerial issues within the airports would involve issues such as gates, plane parking areas and taxiways (Young & Wells 2011, p7).
Hence, such a concern was looked into within the United States in the recent past. The player in this issue was Denver Airport that is found in the United States. Denver Airport proposed and set aside resources that were directed towards establishing Denver Airport Automated Baggage System (DAABS).
The project was aimed at management of the baggage in an efficient manner that would ease congestion within the airport and eliminate waiting time issues. This cost of this project was about $250 million after overshooting the estimated budget of about $150 million. Contrary to expectations of the Airport management expectations, the project failed. It was meant to eliminate baggage handlers and replace them with carts.
When this aspect failed, the management resulted to the use of baggage handlers. This ensured that about $1million was saved each day. In addition, congestion that was earlier created by the carts was eliminated from within the luggage bay. The project failed as a result, of congestion in the luggage bay; each luggage required its own cart.
This resulted in wastage of space leading to congestion and subsequent delays of aircrafts within the airport. The system failed even at experimental stages, and fake models were developed at final stages. The whole project was a failure and became a source of embarrassment to everyone who was involved in its activities.
Hence, this called for immediate removal of the system in the airport. The system remained within the airport for 10years and was confirmed inappropriate in 2005 and removed entirely from the airport (Calleam 2008, p1).
Analysis of the delays and cost increases
There exist various aspects that led to the failure of the Denver Airport Automated Baggage System. They include the following; ineffective cost estimation, inadequate estimating, inadequate planning, inadequate scheduling and conflicting priorities among those in managerial positions.
Ineffective planning
Planning involves putting don strategies and guidelines that would enable an individual attain goals and objectives. It would involve many aspects such as resource allocation and labor related issues. All these are aimed at achieving the goal of project management; completing projects on time.
This would result in appreciable relations between the contractors and clients. According to Camillus, planning is related to controlling and the two comprise the principal tenets of management. Planning is also viewed as being diverse within any organization and requires flexibility so as to fit in the dynamic world (Kerzner 2009, p412).
Planning would also encompass issues relating to the environment. Hence, when planning, those involved should consider the way in which the surrounding would affect the outcome of the project.
This aspect would also include formulation of a budget for the purposes of project completion. Denver Airport Automated Baggage System project would have failed due to inadequate planning. This would be attributed to the project manager (Camillus 1986, p4).
Ineffective cost estimation
All projects require capital in terms of money to be completed in time. The money would be used to purchase equipment that would be used in the whole project and pay the workers. In this context, money would be used to buy equipment that would be used to make the carts used to handle luggage.
It would also be used to pay the workers providing labor within the project. Underestimating the costs related to these activities would result to failure of the project. For instance, this was the case in Denver Airport Automated Baggage system (DAABS). The actual cost was about $250 million while the estimated cost was $150. Therefore, there was a deficit of about $100 million in the budget.
This meant that some activities would not be implemented correctly and within the time allocated. It would also cause delays within the project itself or even’ kill’ the project itself.
Planning in a poor manner would result in inadequacies on the part of cost estimation. As a result, there is a failure of the project. This was the case of Denver Airport Automated Baggage System (DAABS). The project was a total failure and brought embarrassment to many individuals (Schwalbe 2011, p258).
Inadequate scheduling
Scheduling involves having a written down document that specifies what should be done at specified times. This would benefit those in managerial positions such as project managers. When this is not done, there results confusion within the process of project management. Usually, a schedule ensures that individuals work is done within the time allocated.
Time management would thus be achieved in work that is guided by a schedule. It would be possible for an individual without a schedule to fail in his or her work. Therefore, project managers are encouraged to have an adequate or effective schedule that they would be followed in carrying out their activities. Scheduling would also mean that the project is planned on the calendar dates.
It would also give various dates and time at which each activity is expected to be completed; it specifies the earliest time of completion and the latest time of completion. It entails all programs that have to be carried out within the project time frame and would be referred to as a time table. For instance, it would enable them consider all aspects of the project without forgetting others (Chitkara 1998, p45).
Inadequate estimation
Estimation of all aspects concerned with project management is necessary for achievement of results. Usually, it would give an estimate of all resources needed for the whole process. It would also be possible to give estimates in terms of time required for the whole project, the total cost and time of completion. This aspect, when estimated, enables easy management of the whole project.
Managers would have an easier time in controlling and directing activities that are aimed at perfection of work as required by the client. Inadequate estimation would thus result in lacking resources abruptly and subsequent stoppage of the work on the project. This would lead to prolonged project time and extra costs (Wysocki 2012, p192).
These costs would not have been budgeted for and hence would initiate losses within the project. For instance, Denver Airport Automated Babbage System project was not properly estimated when it was started. This resulted to the extra cost towards it and subsequent failure that would be attributed poor quality work (Chin 2004, p126). Proper estimation would be achieved using an estimation model at initial stages.
This process is required at early stages before the project is started. In the case of Denver Airport Automated Baggage System, estimation was improperly done, and this resulted into under-estimation that would be solved by the addition of more capital (Jalote 2004, p52).
Holding the management responsible
The project manager would be liable for any work done by the finance manager or the accountant of the project. Requirements stipulate that the project manager should select his or her own staff members. This puts responsibility on managers for any action taken by their junior staff within the project. For instance, Denver Airport Automated Baggage System project was not adequately estimated in terms of time of completion.
This was evident when they were required to do an abrupt demonstration in the media. This resulted in many errors that reflected that the whole project would be a failure. Therefore, the project manager would employ a qualified person to do estimations relating to the project. He or she would have carried out interviews that would enable them select the best people for work within the firm.
This would have resulted into proper estimation that would not result into poor and inadequate estimations. A qualified individual would ensure that estimation is done correctly and happenings related to minimized or catered for in the plans. Thus, managers take up responsibility for failure of the project. This is indirectly linked to him because they must own the work of those they have employed.
When it comes to inadequate scheduling, planning of activities and time allocation are considered. These must be balanced to ensure that correct action plans are applied. This would involve the formulation of a timetable of activities that allocate time to these activities. This would ensure that all activities are considered. The failure of a project would result to the project manager being blamed for the same.
The scheduling manager is brought into the limelight as this would be his work. This affects other departments within the project and would lead to their failure. Project management involves integration of activities within the project to achieve results (Field & Keller 1998, p10).
All departments are equally valuable and supplement each other. For, instance, one departments’ products may be raw materials for another section. Therefore, failure in one department or section would adversely affect all departments that would be linked to it. This requires that each department watches over the other in the organization to attain organizational goal.
In regard to Denver Airport Automated Baggage System project, a number of departments failed in their work. Among them are the accounting department and the Scheduling departments. This led to the overall failure of the project and subsequent consequences thereafter.
This would imply that those at managerial positions in those departments were not competent in their work. Thus, it is justified to hold them accountable for the failure of the project (Verzuh 2012, p255).
Conflicting priories among those in managerial would also contribute to failure of the project. This would result in a situation whereby managers believe that their tasks are urgent and influential than those of others. This would bring confusions in resource allocation. Subsequently, differences may arise between those in managerial positions and the result would be a failure of the project.
This is because integration is crucial in projects and when ignored, failure occurs. This would have been the case in Denver Airport Automated Baggage System project. This led to the entire project failing and losses that affected all individuals that were involved in implementation of the project (Kloppenborg & Petrick 2002, p29).
Actions to be taken by the management
On the issue of conflicting priorities, certain actions would be taken by those in management positions. They would include evaluating the resources that are availed by the project, ensuring that there exist no interruptions within departments, delegating tasks together with responsibility and avoiding problems within the project premises.
The other action that would be taken would be tackling stress among the members and reducing it to the minimal levels. Those in managerial positions would come together and decide on activities that needed prioritization and those that would be done later. The use of a system to manage priorities would also solve problems related to the conflicting priorities.
This would ensure that human error is eliminated, and there is consistency in the priority assignment. Those in managerial positions would also be enlightened that managing conflicts would require them to manage themselves before managing other issues.
Inadequate scheduling would be solved by having qualified officer on the ground that would be concerned with timetable construction. This would ensure that all activities are looked into and given consideration when allocating time. This would ensure that all activities are carried out within the specified time.
This would ensure efficiency that would be as a result of proper monitoring. Having automated systems within the project that are dedicated to carrying out scheduling activities would deal with inadequacy in scheduling.
Inadequate estimation would be curbed by having qualified personnel within the project. This would ensure that proper estimations that would be realistic are put in place. For instance, the experts would employ the use of mathematical formulae and projection analysis. This would result to proper estimates that would ensure the success of the project (Jones 2007, p101).
Difficulties associated with cost would be solved by having qualified accounts and auditors for the whole project, this would ensure that the work done by the accountant is audited and mistakes corrected by the auditor. The estimates by the accountant should also be realistic and within range; what is affordable for the client.
Inadequate planning would be solved by having trained experts. For instance, the project manager would come up with a team that would be given the responsibility of planning for the activities of the project. These activities should be achievable within stated time limits.
The likelihood of success should also be determined before the project kicks off. Such precautions would ensure that the project becomes a success (Gibbs 2007, p163).
Key lessons for the project management practices
Project management is an activity that requires cooperation for its success. Usually, it requires that individuals should relate well and organize themselves. This would lead to the organization of their departments. This would also lead to the overall completion of projects on time and successfully. When it comes to the issue of priorities, those in management should work as a team.
For instance, they would agree on a mode or system of setting priorities. This would solve their differences on what has to be done first and what to be done later. This would be achieved by having a system that would run activities. Issues of scheduling would also be tackled using the system to enhance adequate time allocation for activities.
On the issue of cost estimation, a qualified accountant would be assigned that work. He would be required to formulate realistic estimates and create provisions that would cater for deficits when the project would kick off. This would be ascertained by an auditor within the project premises to ensure accountability. The project should be implemented within the allocated budget (Chemuturi & Cagley 2010, p58).
Scheduling should also be taken seriously in regard to project management. This would serve to allocate individuals tasks that would be efficiently done. It would also entail assigning people and equipment in their area of specialization.
Planning is also necessary for the success of projects that are aimed at achieving goals and objectives. Plans should be done on what can be achieved and should be reviewed by several individuals before they are started. Difficulties that would be associated with the project should be critically reviewed. Chances of failure and success should be determined and decisions made on these issues.
This might have been the factor that led to the failure in implementing the Denver Airport Automated Baggage System (DAABS) project. Hence, projects should be started when everything concerning them has been confirmed to be successful (Hendrickson & Au 1989, p06).
Having qualified and motivated employees to carry out activities would be a step to the success of the project. Therefore, having dedicated employees who are working towards achieving objectives would be of significance to completion of projects.
Team work is necessary for achievement of project goals (Frigenti & Comninos 2001, p159). An organization needs a strong dedicated team who are working to achieve goals to promote success of their set policies. A strong organization is defined by the workers who strive to ensure goal achievement (Heerkens 2007, p38).
List of References
Cagley, M & Chemuturi, M, 2010, Mastering software project management: Best practices, tools and techniques, J. Ross Publishing, USA.
Calleam, C, 2008, Denver International Airport Baggage Handling System: An Illustration of ineffectual decision making. Available from: <https://www5.in.tum.de/~huckle/DIABaggage.pdf> [30 January 2012].
Camillus, C, 1986, Strategic planning and management control: Systems for survival and success, Mass Lexington Books, Lexington.
Chin, G, 2004, Agile project management: How to succeed in the face of changing project requirements, Toronto, New York.
Chitkara, K, 1998, Construction project management: planning, scheduling and controlling, Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi, India.
Comninos, D & Frigenti, E, 2001, The practice of project management: A guide to the business-focused approach, Kogan Page, London.
Field, M & Keller, S, 1998, Project management, International Thomson Business Press, London.
Gibbs, D, 2007, Project management with the IBM Rational Unified Process: Lessons from the trenches, IBM Press, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
Heerkens, G, 2007, Project Management: 24 Steps to Help You Master Any Project, McGraw-Hill Professional, New York.
Hendrickson, C, 1989, Project management for construction fundamental concepts for owners, engineers, architects, and builders, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
Workplace safety has been an issue of regular discourse, especially in the building and construction industry, which normally entails several precarious engagements (Roelofs, Martinez, Brunette, & Azaroff, 2011). American immigrants have persistently been complaining about social prejudice and workplace discrimination, with majority of them working in a more risk environment than the Native Americans do.
Similar to several other minority groups in the United States, Latino men have continued to engage in the construction industry as a construction workforce. According to Roelofs et al. (2011), a research, which was done in the construction industry in the United States, reveals that “Hispanic workers have higher rates of injury and death on construction worksites than workers of other ethnicities” (p.1).
Based on the investigations of their research, Latino workers in the construction industry experience the highest rates of workplace-related injuries. Roelofs et al. (2011) state that approximately 3.7 incidents of these fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time workers are associated with the Latino workers, which is very high in the construction industry.
Investigations into the rising workplace injuries among the Latino male constructors have unveiled several underlying factors that contribute to disparities in injuries between the Latino workers and non-Latino workers. Roelofs et al. (2011) assert that cultural disparities, language barriers, and Latino traditional values, contribute to construction workplace discrimination that further forces Latino men to engage in risky occupations in the United States.
Pertaining to language barriers, Latinos frequently speak Spanish that creates language bias, as most of the top constructors are Native Americans who communicate in fluent English (Roelofs et al., 2011). The construction workplace discrimination emerges because employers perceive Latino constructors as ‘hard’ and committed workers, and therefore, assign them dangerous and risky tasks to the working and job commitment, which predispose them to accidents.
Additionally, Latino male constructors come from the minority groups with limited political and economic resources; hence, compelling them to perform dangerous and risky tasks in the construction industry as a means of survival (Roelofs et al., 2011). The economic instability of the Latino, coupled with limited political supremacy, influence their engagement in risky undertakings.
Problem Statement
Occupational health and safety in the United States is an issue that continues to attract workplace discourse, with employee safety continuing to be a controversial matter. According to Roelofs et al. (2011), construction workplace discrimination among the minority groups in the United States is still widespread notwithstanding the prevailing policies and regulations that prohibit such practices.
Construction workplace discrimination occurs because employers perceive Latino male constructors as ‘hard workers’ and assign them dangerous and risk duties in the construction industry. In recent research on the American construction industry, Roelofs et al. (2011) reveal that approximately 3.7 incidents of workplace fatal injuries per 100,000 fulltime constructors happen among the Latinos, when compared to 3.4 incidents and3.0 incidents that happen among White workers and Black American workers respectively.
Moreover, medical records of the Latino men reveal that 30% of the medical conditions experienced by these men result from work-related injuries (Roelofs et al., 2011). While the American regulations forbid workplace discrimination and seek to promote socioeconomic justice, the case of Latino men constructors violates these regulations. Hence, to understand the underlying issues, it is essential to explore the issue of construction safety and accidents among male workers in the Latino community.
Rationale for the Research
Workplace safety and occupational health among organizations are universal concerns that continue to elicit incessant reactions from the public and workplaces. However, it is essential to understand that these issues are diverse and occur in different ways across the globe. Given the rising cases of workplace discrimination among Latino men, which puts them in the desperate situation by engaging in risky construction employment, there is need to explore this problem.
Compared to other ethnic groups, occupational death rates among Latino constructors continue to augment, with labor authorities and their policies continuing to prove ineffective. Workplace injuries and fatalities among Latino male constructors adversely affect the socioeconomic status of their relatives and families.
This paper intends to examine the problem of construction safety and accidents among males in the Latino community, preferably from the perspective of those individuals working in the construction industry. Also, it explores the prevailing status of the problem, examines predisposing factors that contribute to the reducing workplace safety among Latino male constructors, and provides possible remedies.
Statement of the Research Objectives
As the issue of construction safety and accidents among Latino men continue to raise concerns, this paper will use the following research objectives to inspect the problem comprehensively and expansively. The study seeks to:
Examine the prevailing status of construction safety and accidents among male workers in the Latino community, especially in the construction industry.
Investigate the underlying facts regarding the notion that male constructors from Latino community are at greater risk for workplace accidents than other ethnicities.
Explore the major assumptions about the predisposing factors that reduce workplace safety of Latino male constructors.
Provide recommendations on how to improve the working conditions of the Latino male constructors as possible remedies to their workplace issues.
Hypotheses of the Study
In examining the identified research problem, the study will assume the following hypotheses.
Safety issues and workplace-related accidents are common among Latino male constructors.
Latino male constructors are more susceptible to construction accidents than non-Latino male constructors are.
Major factors that predispose Latino male constructors to accidents include incompetent skills, poor education, traditional values, language barriers, and economic instability.
Latino male constructors should embrace education, acquire safety skills, adopt English, and shun their traditional values.
Definition of Terms
Latino community – Is an immigrant community that resides in the United States, which is considered as a minority ethnic group because it has limited political, social, and economic powers that compel them to perform risky jobs.
Construction industry- It refers to a social-economic sector that deals with construction, modification, and repair of houses, commercial buildings, roads, estate development, and other infrastructure.
Construction safety – It is a condition of being free from any risks, hazards, accidents, and fatalities within the construction environment.
Construction accidents – refers to unintentional events that cause injuries among workers during construction.
Construction workplace discrimination – employers perceive Latino men as ‘hard workers’ and thus discriminate against them by assigning risky and dangerous tasks to them.
Summary
Workplace safety of employees in America is a critical issue that calls for immediate attention as people continue to incur injuries, while some accidents are resulting in serious fatalities. Although workplace discrimination remains an illegal practice in the workplace, the rising cases of injuries among Latino men working in the construction industry contrast the national public interest. The purpose of this study is to examine the issue of construction safety and accidents among Latino male constructors.
To examine the problem objectively, the study wants to provide a deeper understanding of the prevailing situation of workplace safely among Latino male constructors. The study also explores the conceptions that Latino men are at a higher risk for workplace injuries than other ethnic groups. Moreover, the paper will also investigate the predisposing factors that reduce safety of Latino male constructors and provide recommendations that would act as remedies to the problems experienced by Latino male constructors.
Literature Review
Researchers have focused on occupational safety of male Latino constructors and have continued to build their interest on workplace discrimination and safety issues, but they have failed to provide a substantial connection to the existing statistics of occupational accidents and injuries Although occupational injuries and fatalities are common in the construction industry, a number of factors mediate their occurrence.
Richardson, Loomis, Bena, and Bailer (2004) assert that empirical evidence continues to support the notion that division of labor across the United States remains grounded on ethnicity and race, as minority groups experience discrimination (Richardson et al.,2004). Research about occupational injuries and accidents indicates that the construction industry in the United States is the most hazardous; however, it is a low-paying industry that utilizes human resources from ethnic minorities (Menzel & Gutierrez, 2010).
Generally, the construction industry in the United States is among the largest industries, the largest employer, and the most hazardous industries, which contribute to approximately 20% of the annual occupational fatalities reported across the United States (Brunette, 2004). Such statistics are useful in explaining the prevailing situation regarding professional safety issues among Latino constructors.
While researchers regularly examine occupational safety among Latino constructors, their perceptions about the problem remain undervalued. A body of evidence indicates that Latino men, who work in the construction industry, continue to experience higher rates of occupational injuries and related fatalities than other workers do in the United States.
In a specific contemporary study, Roelofs et al. (2011) undertook a qualitative investigation about the perspectives of Hispanic workers in the construction industry regarding factors influencing occupational hazards and safety.
Consecutively, using two focus group interviews with Hispanic construction workers, Roelofs et al. . (2011) reveal that Hispanic workers usually have higher risks of occupational injuries than other ethnicities, as 3.7, 3.4, and 3.0 are incidents of injuries per 100,000 workers among the Hispanics, the Whites, and the Blacks respectively.
Moreover, according to Brunette (2014), the Hispanics generally constitute the highest population of the workforce in the construction, which is estimated at 18% of workforce with evidence indicating that Hispanic constructors are steadily rising disproportionately when compared to other ethnicities in the construction industry.
Similar investigations have persisted in several studies to justify the claims of vulnerability of Hispanic construction workers to injuries and fatalities. By using the national census surveillance system to determine workforce fatalities, Richardson et al. (2004, p. 1756) “investigated fatal occupational injury rates in the United States by race and Hispanic ethnicity during the period 1990-1996.”
In the Southern parts of the United States, 7.9 cases of fatal injuries in every 100,000 worker-years associated with the Hispanic construction workers, while only 6.9 cases of fatal injuries in every 100,000 worker-years related to the White construction workers. Hispanic construction workers do not choose to engage in risky activities of the construction industry as research has investigated the predisposing factors that expose these constructors to such conditions.
According to Roelofs et al. (2011), several interrelated factors contribute to a predisposition of Hispanic construction workers to injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Thus, the statistics provide evidence regarding the differences in worksite injuries and fatalities between Latinos and other ethnicities.
While most studies provide statistics about safety issues, they fail to investigate the factors that predispose the Latino male constructors to occupational injuries and accidents. Roelofs et al. (2011) postulate that “language barriers, cultural differences, lack of safety training, economic disadvantage, lack of construction experience, and relegated to the most dangerous jobs within construction are major predisposing factors” (p. 1).
Concerning language barrier as a predisposing factor to occupational injuries and fatalities, Latino men akin to other immigrant communities have little linguistic skills in the use of English (Ochsner et al., 2012). Due to their inability to communicate fluently in English and master safety workplace precautions, their chances of incurring injuries remain relatively high. Menzel and Gutierrez (2010) confirm such notions in an investigation of 30 Latino constructors.
Even though companies sometimes provide employees with safety training and some required materials, the translation of the language is ordinarily poor and thus Latino constructors hardly comprehend instructions (Menzel & Gutierrez, 2010). Out of the 30 participants, seven mentioned that they felt ashamed of their accent. This shows that perceptions of the Latino male constructors are essential in understanding their vulnerability to occupational accidents and injuries.
Although many studies have investigated safety issues are prevalent in the construction industry, limited studies have examined the impact of cultural ideologies on the predisposition of Latino male constructors to accidents and injuries. Culturally, Latino workers are very industrious, an attribute that makes employers in the construction industry to target them. The notion that Latino workers value and embrace hard work puts them in an intolerable environment in the construction industry that is prone to accidents (Ochsner et al., 2012).
Traditional values of Latinos embrace hard work and thus predispose Latinos to hazardous work, which is the economic activity of supporting their families. According to Brunette (2004), low education and lack of appropriate and effective safety training are significant issues that dispose of Latino male constructors to occupational injuries and fatalities.
Socioeconomic inequalities are among the major factors that force the Latino male constructors to engage in risky undertakings solely to provide for their families. In the view of literature, the proposed research seeks to provide an in-depth investigation into the problem of worksite safety of male Latino constructors, while analyzing the prevailing status, and the predisposing factors that increase their vulnerability to accidents and injuries in construction sites.
Methodology
Research Design
The intended research will use a methodology of qualitative case study as its research design. According to Maxwell (2008), qualitative research normally uses primary research methods such as participant observation or case studies to investigate and conclude certain inquiry. Qualitative research is a form of research methodology that involves a situated activity that establishes a problem basing on observers point of view (Baxter & Jack, 2008).
The methodology of qualitative research mainly deals with the perception of people about real-life phenomenon or simply examining how people make sense of the world around them (Baxter & Jack, 2008).
The foremost interest of the study is to investigate the notion that Latino constructors in the United States construction industry are more susceptible to worksite accidents and high rates of injuries and fatalities than other ethnicities. Therefore, the research is a qualitative case study of American Latino constructors regarding their worksite safety.
Research Participants and Sampling
A qualitative research methodology is a research approach that normally seeks to utilize primary data gathered through participants involved in the main study. According to Maxwell (2008, p. 231), “in many qualitative studies, the real interest is in how participants make sense of what has happened and how this perspective informs their actions.” The main participants of the intended study are Latino male constructors, who are working with the American construction industry.
The study will target approximately 50 Latino male constructors from different construction companies that operate in the United States. The sample population of 50 is appropriate size because it represents study population may not require sampling techniques to acquire a sample size.
However, the research seeks to identify participants through purposeful sampling techniques, as it will be targeting specific Latino constructors. According to Maxwell (2008), most qualitative researchers prefer utilizing probability sampling method of convenience sampling because it is easy to apply. This form of sampling involves deliberate selection of particular persons, geographical settings, or particular events for important information associated with the research inquiry.
Instrumentation and Data Collection
Primary research involves data collection processes and instruments that allow researchers to gather valuable data concerning the problem under inquiry. Applied qualitative research strives to enhance understanding of the research problem through gathering and generating primary information using questionnaires and interviews (Shenton, 2004). For the purpose of the proposed research, the study will utilize structured questionnaires, which will be self-administered, to collect data from the identified participants.
In a qualitative research investigation, questions and interviews are generally useful in revealing individual perceptions and experiences about the investigated problem (Shenton, 2004).
Moreover, many qualitative researchers have established that questions are cost-effective in collecting data, easy for novice researchers to construct, and straightforward for the participants to comprehend and respond to the questions asked (Maxwell, 2008). In the context of this qualitative research, the researcher understands well that Latinos are immigrants, who have little linguistic skills, and therefore, questionnaires are the most appropriate instruments of research.
The qualitative case study methodology involves a systematic and practical process of gathering primary data or information from the identified research participants and investigation of the complex phenomenon (Shenton, 2004). Specific data collection procedures and techniques are essential to any qualitative research.
Before utilizing the questionnaires as research instruments designed for the actual data collection process, reliability of the data instruments, validity of collected data, and ethical principles are critical components of research (Curry, Nembhard, & Bradley, 2009). Reliability determines specificity of a research instrument, while validity determines the accuracy of results.
To ensure validity of the questionnaires, the researcher will discuss the questions with supervisors and other research experts to enhance construct validity. For the reliability, the researcher will undertake a pilot study to examine whether participants will comprehend the questions before the actual research (Shenton, 2004). The results will have low external validity as one cannot extrapolate the findings beyond Latinos, who are in America.
While quantitative research techniques concentrate on numbers and relationships between research variables, qualitative researchers have their interest in identifying relationships between concepts through thematic and descriptive accounts (Maxwell, 2008). Qualitative research techniques typically examine why specific issues are as they are in a certain event or phenomenon.
Qualitative researchers usually build their interest in collecting data that involve social and behavioral research without concentrating on identifying relationships between variables (Maxwell, 2008). Instead of research variables, as in the case of quantitative analysis, the interest of this paper will be to investigate and develop an understanding of the socially constructed reality.
The study aims at identifying issues of workplace safety within the American construction companies in comparison to other ethnicities, the probable causes of high rates of injuries and fatalities.
Rather than numerical values guiding the research, the proposed research will analyze the perception of male Latino constrictors through evaluating the hypothesized relations between initial presumptions and findings. In this case, the dependent variable will be perceptions of accidents and injuries that construction workers experience, while the independent variable is the ethnic background of the constructors.
Data Collection Process
As aforementioned, 50 Latino men working in the American construction industry with at least twenty years experience in the job will participate. The researcher will prepare approximately 70 pieces of questionnaires in readiness for the data collection process. The researcher will consult Latino male constructors from ten different construction companies and prepare meetings based on the comfort of the participants.
The study may not involve or even inform the management of these construction companies as any contact with the management may hamper the participation of these constructors. The researcher will seek informed consent from the participants before arranging a data collection meeting. As many companies do not operate on weekends, the study will choose Saturday as an appropriate to engage the participants in the data collection process for they are free.
The researcher will contact all the fifty respondents to converge in one meeting, assure them of their confidentiality, find an appropriate place to gather and distribute the questionnaires to the respondents. Interpreters will be present so that they can help the participants to comprehend the study questions.
Proposed Analysis of the Data
Qualitative research is a rigorous and pragmatic process that is normally incomplete without the data analysis, which is a process that involves organizing and interpreting the data to provide meaningful information about the findings (Curry, Nembhard, & Bradley, 2009). The process of data analysis, as recommended by qualitative analysis, occurs in tandem with the data collection processes.
The research will employ both qualitative and quantitative approaches, as the possibility of getting quantitative data following the closed-ended questions is high. In analyzing qualitative data that researchers consider it complex (Maxwell, 2008), the research will prefer using inductive thematic approaches that combine arguments from responses of participants into coherent explanations.
Qualitative data comprise of perceptions, ideas, opinions, and judgment about a practice or an event, thus allows analysis to present the conceptual and descriptive themes that enrich arguments (Tobin & Begley, 2003). The closed-ended questionnaires may produce responses that are in the form of qualitative data that require certain quantitative approaches. Where necessary in this mixed analysis approach, the researcher will utilize the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software to analyze the quantitative data.
Implications and Limitations
The proposed research expects some implications regarding the sample procedure employed. According to Kelly, Clark, Brown, Sitzia (2003), “it is important to use the right method of sampling and to be aware of the limitations and statistical implications of each” (p. 264).
The first implication of the proposed research associates with the sample that represents the population under study. The sampling technique may have a particular selection bias that might not represent the study population well (Tobin & Begley, 2003). The sampling technique that the study employs as qualitative research recommends is purposive sampling, which usually has a high probability of selection favoritism.
The second implication is one that involves the validity of data collection instruments used in the proposed research. The nature of data collected from the selected participants through the predetermined devices may prompt issues of research validity (Kelly, Clark, Brown, & Sitzia, 2003).
The setting of questionnaires in an open-ended manner may provide challenges as the respondents may produce varying responses that may not relate to the research problem. Moreover, fear of intimidation and prejudice among respondents before participating in the study might compel participants to have some reservations, which make them to answer questions in a biased manner, thus reducing the validity of findings.
In the limitation, the study expects some few limitations associated with the data collection processes. Qualitative researchers have regularly claimed that identifying the most appropriate participants and locating them to participate in the actual study has often been challenging (Kelly, Clark, Brown, & Sitzia, 2003).
Three essential factors may contribute to research limitations associated with the participants. Firstly, male Latino constructors have always lived in fear of racial prejudice and the participants may be unwilling to participate in the study. Secondly, language bias that results from the inability of Latinos to communicate fluently in English may be a potential limitation to the researcher.
The study also has methodological limitations is that participants might have different situational experiences regarding the problem; hence, different working experiences that may influence the ability of the research to garner appropriate data (Golafshani, 2003).
The notion of experience of researchers may, therefore, determine the general outcome of the research. According to Kelly, Clark, Brown, & Sitzia (2003), the researcher’s perception, especially which depends on theoretical connection, may affect the outcome as the researcher may manipulate the findings.
Conclusion
Workplace safety has arguably been one of the most debated issues in the construction industry of America, especially in activities that are prone to accidents and injuries. Among workers in the construction industry, Latino men experience higher incidences of occupational injuries and fatalities than other ethnicities. A continuum of studies continues to affirm this notion through empirical evidence, but the situation does not seem to improve.
Due to such perceptions, the primary intent of the proposed research is to investigate the current situation regarding occupational safety of the Latino men working in the construction industry, identify predisposing factors to such situations, and outline possible remedies to avert the problem.
The study will use the qualitative research design of approximately 50 participants of Latino origin working with the American construction companies. Questionnaires will be the data collection instruments, while both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods may apply in the analysis process due to the nature of the questionnaire, which contain both open-ended and closed-ended questions.
References
Baxter, P., & Jack, S. (2008). Qualitative Case Study Methodology: Study Design and Implementation for Novice Researchers. The Qualitative Report, 13(4), 544-559.
Brunette, M. (2004). Construction safety research in the United States: targeting the Hispanic workforce. Injury Prevention, 10(4), 244–248.
Curry, L., Nembhard, I., & Bradley, E. (2009). Qualitative and Mixed Methods Provide Unique Contributions to Outcomes Research. Circulation, 119(1), 1442-1452.
Golafshani, N. (2003). Understanding Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research. The Qualitative Report, 8(4), 597-607.
Kelly, K., Clark, B., Brown, V., & Sitzia, J. (2003). Good practice in the conduct and reporting of survey research. International Journal for Quality in Healthcare, 15(3), 261-266.
Maxwell, J. (2008). Designing a Qualitative Study. In Maxwell J.A. (Ed.), Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach (pp.214-253).London: Sage Publications.
Menzel, N., & Gutierrez, A. (2010). Latino Worker Perceptions of Construction Risks. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 53(2), 179–187.
Ochsner, M., Marshall, E., Martino, C., Pabelon, M., Kimmel, L., & Rostran, D. (2012). Beyond the classroom-a case study of immigrant safety liaisons in residential construction. New Solutions, 22(3), 365-386.
Kelly, K., Clark, B., Brown, V., & Sitzia, J. (2003). Good practice in the conduct and reporting of survey research. International Journal for Quality in Healthcare, 15(3), 261-266.
Richardson, D., Loomis, D., Bena, J., & Bailer, J. (2004). Fatal Occupational Injury Rates in Southern and Non-Southern States, by Race and Hispanic Ethnicity. American Journal of Public Health, 94(10), 1756-1761.
Roelofs, C., Martinez, L., Brunette, M., & Azaroff, L. (2011). A qualitative investigation of Hispanic construction worker perspectives on factors impacting worksite safety and risk. Environmental Health, 10(84), 1-9.
Shenton, A. (2004). Strategies for ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative research projects. Education for Information, 22(2), 63-75.
Tobin, G., & Begley, C. (2003). Methodological rigor within a qualitative framework. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 48(4), 388–396.
Although occupational injuries and fatalities are common in the construction industry, a number of factors mediate their occurrence. Richardson, Loomis, Bena, and Bailer (2004) assert that empirical evidence continues to support the notion that division of labor across the United States remains grounded on ethnicity and race, as minority groups experience discrimination (Richardson et al.,2004).
Research about occupational injuries and accidents indicates that the construction industry in the United States is the most hazardous; however, it is a low-paying industry that utilizes human resources from ethnic minorities (Menzel & Gutierrez, 2010). Generally, the construction industry in the United States is among the largest industries, the largest employer, and the most hazardous industries, which contribute to approximately 20% of the annual occupational fatalities reported across the United States (Brunette, 2004).
The Latino community is one of the immigrant communities in the United States that provide essential labor to the construction industry but often considered vulnerable to injuries and fatalities than other ethnicities.
A body of evidence indicates that Latino men, who work in the construction industry, continue to experience higher rates of occupational injuries and related fatalities than other workers do in the United States. In a specific contemporary study, Roelofs et al. (2011) undertook a qualitative investigation about the perspectives of Hispanic workers in the construction industry regarding factors influencing occupational hazards and safety.
Consecutively, using two focus group interviews with Hispanic construction workers, Roelofs et al. . (2011) reveal that Hispanic workers usually have higher risks of occupational injuries than other ethnicities, as 3.7, 3.4, and 3.0 are incidents of injuries per 100,000 workers among the Hispanics, the Whites, and the Blacks respectively.
Moreover, according to Brunette (2014), the Hispanics generally constitute the highest population of the workforce in the construction, which is estimated at 18% of workforce with evidence indicating that Hispanic constructors are steadily rising disproportionately when compared to other ethnicities in the construction industry.
Similar investigations have persisted in several studies to justify the claims of vulnerability of Hispanic construction workers to injuries and fatalities. By using the national census surveillance system to determine workforce fatalities, Richardson et al. (2004, p. 1756) “investigated fatal occupational injury rates in the United States by race and Hispanic ethnicity during the period 1990-1996.” In the Southern parts of the United States, 7.9 cases of fatal injuries in every 100,000 worker-years associated with the Hispanic construction workers, while only 6.9 cases of fatal injuries in every 100,000 worker-years associated with the White construction workers.
Hispanic construction workers do not choose to engage in risky activities of the construction industry as research has investigated the predisposing factors that expose these constructors to such conditions. According to Roelofs et al. (2011), several interrelated factors contribute to a predisposition of Hispanic construction workers to injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. As the immigrant community in the United States, Hispanics are among the marginalized communities.
Researchers have established numerous factors that predispose the Latino male constructors to occupational injuries and accidents. Roelofs et al. (2011) postulate that “language barriers, cultural differences, lack of safety training, economic disadvantage, lack of construction experience, and relegated to the most dangerous jobs within construction are major predisposing factors” (p. 1). Concerning language barrier as a predisposing factor to occupational injuries and fatalities, Latino men akin to other immigrant communities have little linguistic skills in the use of English (Ochsner et al., 2012).
Due to their inability to communicate fluently in English and master safety workplace precautions, their chances of incurring injuries remain relatively high. Menzel and Gutierrez (2010) confirm such notions in an investigation of 30 Latino constructors. Even though companies sometimes provide employees with safety training and some required materials, the translation of language is ordinarily poor and thus Latino constructors hardly comprehend instructions (Menzel & Gutierrez, 2010). Out of the 30 participants, seven mentioned that they felt ashamed of their accent.
Culturally, Latino workers are very industrious, an attribute that make employers in the construction industry to target them. The notion that Latino workers value and embrace hard work puts them in an intolerable environment in the construction industry that is prone to accidents (Ochsner et al., 2012). Traditional values of Latinos embrace hard work and thus predispose Latinos to hazardous work, which is the economic activity of supporting their families.
Apart from language barriers and cultural differences, construction industries have little concern for the welfare of the Latino constructors. According to Brunette (2004), low education and lack of appropriate and effective safety training are significant issues that dispose Latino male constructors to occupational injuries and fatalities. Socioeconomic inequalities are among the significant factors that force the Latino male constructors to engage in risky undertakings solely to provide for their families (Richardson et al., 2004).
Competence and skills determine the effectiveness and alertness of workers in the construction industry. Since Latino workers lack expertise in the construction industry, their chances of causing accidents are relatively high. Latino men rarely hold top management positions in the construction industry and therefore compel them to perform menial jobs, which are not only hazardous but also unproductive.
References
Brunette, M. (2004). Construction safety research in the United States: targeting the Hispanic workforce. Injury Prevention, 10(4), 244–248.
Menzel, N., & Gutierrez, A. (2010). Latino Worker Perceptions of Construction Risks. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 53(2), 179–187.
Ochsner, M., Marshall, E., Martino, C., Pabelon, M., Kimmel, L., & Rostran, D. (2012). Beyond the classroom-a case study of immigrant safety liaisons in residential construction. New Solutions, 22(3), 365-386.
Richardson, D., Loomis, D., Bena, J., & Bailer, J. (2004). Fatal Occupational Injury Rates in Southern and Non-Southern States, by Race and Hispanic Ethnicity. American Journal of Public Health, 94(10), 1756-1761.
Roelofs, C., Martinez, L., Brunette, M., & Azaroff, L. (2011). A qualitative investigation of Hispanic construction worker perspectives on factors impacting worksite safety and risk. Environmental Health, 10(84), 1-9.
Workplace safety has been an issue of regular discourse, especially in the building and construction industry, which normally entails several precarious engagements (Roelofs, Martinez, Brunette, & Azaroff, 2011). American immigrants have persistently been complaining about social prejudice and workplace discrimination, with majority of them working in a more risk environment than the Native Americans do.
Similar to several other minority groups in the United States, Latino men have continued to engage in the construction industry as a construction workforce. According to Roelofs et al. (2011), research in the construction industry of the United States reveals that “Hispanic workers have higher rates of injury and death on construction worksites than workers of other ethnicities” (p. 1).
Based on the investigations of their research, Latino workers in the construction industry experience the most excellent rates of workplace-related injuries. Roelofs et al. (2011) state that approximately 3.7 incidents of these fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time workers are associated with the Latino workers, which is very high in the construction industry.
Investigations into the rising workplace injuries among the Latino male constructors have unveiled several underlying factors that contribute to disparities in injuries between the Latino workers and non-Latino workers. Roelofs et al. (2011) assert that cultural disparities, language barriers, and Latino traditional values, contribute to construction workplace discrimination that further forces Latino men to engage in risky occupations in the United States.
Pertaining to language barriers, Latinos frequently speak Spanish that creates language bias, as most of the top constructors are Native Americans who communicate in fluent English (Roelofs et al., 2011). The construction workplace discrimination emerges because employers perceive Latino constructors as ‘hard’ and committed workers, and therefore, assign them dangerous and risky tasks to the working and job commitment, which predispose them to accidents.
Additionally, Latino male constructors come from the minority groups with limited political and economic resources; hence, compelling them to perform dangerous and risky tasks in the construction industry as a means of survival (Roelofs et al., 2011). The economic instability of the Latino, coupled with limited political supremacy, influence their engagement in risky undertakings.
Problem Statement
Occupational health and safety in the United States is an issue that continues to attract workplace discourse, with employee safety continuing to be a controversial matter. According to Roelofs et al. (2011), construction workplace discrimination among the minority groups in the United States is still widespread notwithstanding the prevailing policies and regulations that prohibit such practices.
Construction workplace discrimination occurs because employers perceive Latino male constructors as ‘hard workers’ and assign them dangerous and risk duties in the construction industry. In recent research on the American construction industry, Roelofs et al. (2011) reveal that approximately 3.7 incidents of workplace fatal injuries per 100,000 fulltime constructors happen among the Latinos, when compared to 3.4 incidents and3.0 incidents that happen among White workers and Black American workers respectively.
Moreover, medical records of the Latino men reveal that 30% of the medical conditions experienced by these men result from work-related injuries (Roelofs et al., 2011). While the American regulations forbid workplace discrimination and seek to promote socioeconomic justice, the case of Latino men constructors violates these regulations. Hence, to understand the underlying issues, it is essential to explore the issue of construction safety and accidents among male workers in the Latino community.
Rationale for the Research
Workplace safety and occupational health among organizations are universal concerns that continue to elicit incessant reactions from the public and workplaces. However, it is essential to understand that these issues are diverse and occur in different ways across the globe.
Given the rising cases of workplace discrimination among Latino men, which puts them in the desperate situation by engaging in risky construction employment, there is need to explore this problem. Compared to other ethnic groups, occupational death rates among Latino constructors continue to augment, with labor authorities and their policies continuing to prove ineffective. Workplace injuries and fatalities among Latino male constructors adversely affect the socioeconomic status of their relatives and families.
This paper intends to examine the problem of construction safety and accidents among males in the Latino community, preferably from the perspective of those individuals working in the construction industry. In addition, it explores the prevailing status of the problem, examines predisposing factors that contribute to the reducing workplace safety among Latino male constructors, and provides possible remedies.
Statement of the Research Objectives
As the issue of construction safety and accidents among Latino men continue to raise concerns, this paper will use the following research objectives to inspect the problem comprehensively and expansively. The study seeks to:
Examine the prevailing status of construction safety and accidents among male workers in the Latino community, especially in the construction industry.
Investigate the underlying facts regarding the notion that male constructors from Latino community are at greater risk for workplace accidents than other ethnicities.
Explore the major assumptions about the predisposing factors that reduce workplace safety of Latino male constructors.
Provide recommendations on how to improve the working conditions of the Latino male constructors as possible remedies to their workplace issues.
Hypotheses of the study
In examining the identified research problem, the study will assume the following hypotheses.
Safety issues and workplace-related accidents are common among Latino male constructors.
Latino male constructors are more susceptible to construction accidents than non-Latino male constructors are.
Major factors that predispose Latino male constructors to accidents include incompetent skills, poor education, traditional values, language barriers, and economic instability.
Latino male constructors should embrace education, acquire safety skills, adopt English, and shun their traditional values.
Definition of Terms
Latino community – Is an immigrant community that resides in the United States, which is considered as a minority ethnic group because it has limited political, social, and economic powers that compel them to perform risky jobs.
Construction industry- It refers to a social economic sector that deals with construction, modification, and repair of houses, commercial buildings, roads, estate development, and other infrastructure.
Construction safety – It is a condition of being free from any risks, hazards, accidents, and fatalities within the construction environment.
Construction accidents – refers to unintentional events that cause injuries among workers during construction.
Construction workplace discrimination – employers perceive Latino men as ‘hard workers’, and thus discriminate against them by assigning risky and dangerous tasks to them.
Summary
Workplace safety of employees in America is a critical issue that calls for immediate attention as people continue to incur injuries, while some accidents are resulting in serious fatalities. Although workplace discrimination remains an illegal practice in the workplace, the rising cases of injuries among Latino men working in the construction industry contrast the national public interest.
The purpose of this study is to examine the issue of construction safety and accidents among Latino male constructors. To examine the problem objectively, the study wants to provide a deeper understanding of the prevailing situation of workplace safely among Latino male constructors.
The study also explores the conceptions that Latino men are at a higher risk for workplace injuries than other ethnic groups. Moreover, the paper will also investigate the predisposing factors that reduce safety of Latino male constructors and provide recommendations that would act as remedies to the problems experienced by Latino male constructors.
Reference
Roelofs, C., Martinez, L., Brunette, M., & Azaroff, L. (2011). A qualitative investigation of Hispanic construction worker perspectives on factors impacting worksite safety and risk. Environmental Health, 10(84), 1-9.
This report concerns a project that aims to construct a museum in the Sharjah emirate of the United Arab Emirates. The facility is innovative in its approach, which aims to blend traditional exhibit-based methods to museums and modern technologies such as virtual reality. The purpose of this mixture is to represent the history and culture of the region faithfully and accurately while also using the latest technologies and methods to make this information accessible. To improve interactivity and attract tourists, the museum will also incorporate a space for local craftsmen to provide a range of products and activities that represent Sharjah’s heritage. The purpose of this report is to justify the existence of the project and discuss the various stakeholders that will be involved in it. To that end, it will provide a rationale and evaluate stakeholders in terms of mapping and applicable strategies.
Priority Justification
The reason why the project is based in Sharjah is that the emirate would benefit from such an undertaking more than others. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are already highly technologically advanced Emirates that respect and promote their history and culture. Fujairah is also a center of tourism due to its natural attractions and developed tourism industry, and similar considerations apply to Ras Al Khaimah. Neither of these emirates would benefit substantially from the introduction of an additional point of interest, as it would likely have to contend with diminishing returns. Umm Al Quwain is renowned for its Dreamland Aqua Park, which, while an excellent attraction for both Emirati and tourists, is not necessarily culturally relevant. Thus, this report finds either Umm Al Quwain or Sharjah the most suitable location for the museum, but the latter is more appropriate due to its strategic direction.
Sharjah is renowned for its ongoing effort to become a cultural center of the Middle East. Hence, the project will likely be accepted there and implemented, as it is consistent with the emirate’s overall direction. Moreover, 2021 (2020) describes the current Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, which aims to promote it as a tourist destination, empower cultural and heritage elements, adopt innovative tourism approaches, and emphasize collaborative action to enhance efficiencies. The museum can satisfy all of these requirements, serving as a tourist attraction, displaying Sharjah heritage, using VR technologies to provide novel experiences to visitors, and hosting a variety of local entrepreneurs to secure mutual benefits. As such, the Sharjah Emirate is an excellent location for the project, as it satisfies a variety of requirements and aligns with its objectives, though some factors still need to be taken into consideration.
While Sharjah aims to further improve its status as a cultural center, it has already created a robust framework of various sites and museums. Its various cultural attractions that are based on historic buildings, as well as its dedicated heritage museum, are particularly noteworthy because their goals and effects overlap substantially with the project. As such, the emirate may not be interested in constructing a new museum with a similar purpose, instead preferring to renovate their current facilities and introduce new technologies. With that said, this issue is not necessarily sufficient to prevent the project from going forward or receiving adequate support. It can succeed if it can differentiate itself from Sharjah’s current enterprises sufficiently with its novel elements. To assist in this differentiation, it is essential to identify stakeholders and their needs, finding a solution that satisfies each one.
Stakeholder Identification
Sharjah’s authorities are prominent stakeholders, as they will play a substantial role in securing the project’s approval. It is necessary to approach them and secure their support before beginning construction to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that they approve of the initiative. By creating a friendly relationship with Sharjah’s governing authorities, the museum will be able to integrate itself into the emirate’s broader collaborative framework. With that said, the emirate’s leadership is likely to approve of the project, as it will further enhance cultural tourism to the city. McManus (2016) claims that museums contribute to this variety of travel, which attracts affluent visitors, substantially while also promoting and sustaining the local culture, which contributes to their overall popularity with policymakers.
The community is another vital stakeholder, as it stands to benefit from the introduction of a new tourist attraction. The museum will likely employ local workers and source necessary supplies from nearby businesses, increasing the flow of money in the area. It will also provide locations for Sharjah entrepreneurs, enabling them to improve their incomes and sustaining the local culture. Moreover, the tourists visiting the museum are also likely to spend time at nearby businesses, both accommodations and amenities such as restaurants, creating an indirect community benefit. However, if it does not engage in these practices, it can create dissatisfaction in the area, as it would be using the resources without generating a substantial benefit. Community disapproval may build a poor reputation for the museum, lowering its attractiveness and popularity. As such, its qualities as a stakeholder need to be taken into account for the project to proceed smoothly.
The company’s owners are another essential stakeholder category, as they are vital to the project’s existence. Their purpose in promoting the museum’s construction is to generate a profit, which can be accomplished by creating an adequate revenue stream without incurring excessive costs. If the project fails to perform to the company owners’ expectations, they may interfere to reduce its scope and rearrange the plan to make it more profitable. In extreme cases, they may cancel the project altogether if they see that it will not satisfy their requirements, choosing to partially recoup their losses by selling the unfinished project to someone else to use for a different purpose. To avoid these problems, the project manager needs to stay in contact with the owners and ensure that effective communication regarding the project’s goal and its current state takes place at all times.
Lastly, the customers who will be visiting the museum have to be taken into consideration. They expect to see a unique experience at the museum, different from the others they can find in Sharjah. Moreover, they would like to receive high-quality services and see excellent entrepreneurial activities and crafts in the dedicated section. Based on their visit to the museum, they will create its overall reputation by recommending it to others or advising them to avoid it. In the modern age, customer feedback is easy to access on the Internet, and people increasingly rely on such tools to form an initial opinion of a location. As such, even for tourism, customer opinions can substantially influence the future revenue flow of a site in either direction. Hence, the project’s success largely depends on how well it can cater to their desires and needs.
Interest The authorities of Sharjah likely have little interest in the museum project, as it is not a public facility. They will mostly be concerned over its compliance with the law and participation in various cultural initiatives. Beyond that, they will let it operate without much interference, as is standard in public-private relationships. With that said, if the government decides to become involved, it can exercise extensive influence over its progress and overall existence. Depending on the degree of misconduct the authorities find, they can impose penalties or require specific actions to be taken, introducing additional costs or time into the project. Moreover, the manager will not have the right to refuse a legitimate intervention, and challenges to illegitimate ones can take a substantial time. Overall, the government’s power is extremely high, and it is in the “Keep Satisfied” portion of the Stakeholder Matrix.
Figure 1: Stakeholder mapping matrix
The community will generally not feel the effects of the museum directly, especially during the construction and early operation stages. Over time, it may develop to be more reliant on the facility, creating infrastructure that depends on it and integrating cash flows. However, such a shift can only happen as a result of the museum’s success, as the community is unlikely to exert a concerted effort to promote the museum to benefit itself. Overall, it can be asserted that the community’s interest in the museum will be low, at least initially, which is the period with which the project is concerned. Its power to influence the museum is also low, with it able to contribute to its reputation somewhat, but not substantially. As such, the community should be considered in the “Monitor” section in fig. 1.
The owners have a substantial interest in the project and influence over it, which justifies their inclusion in the “Manage Closely” category. As mentioned above, they need the construction to proceed on time and the finished museum to create sufficient profits to offset the costs. To that end, they will likely regularly monitor the project and check for any issues that may jeopardize its progress. Additionally, as also discussed above, the owners can exert massive influence over the project, as they have the ability to overrule any decision and institute theirs. Hence, it is vital for the project manager to work with them closely and ensure that the project complies with their needs.
The customers belong in the same category, as they will determine whether the project succeeds in the long term. They have a substantial interest in the museum, as they will be spending their time and money there. As such, they want to receive the best possible experience and can contribute substantially to it with feedback and improvement suggestions. Additionally, as discussed in the previous section, they have high power over the facility, which they will likely exercise. In addition to influencing its future customer numbers through reviews and recommendations, customers can also change their spending depending on how attractive the museum’s activities are. As such, they can affect revenue both directly and indirectly, and, being the sole source of income for the facility, they require close interactions.
Stakeholder Management
To leverage the strength of the authorities as a stakeholder group, the project manager will have to engage with them closely. It is essential that they familiarize themselves with all pertinent laws and guarantee that no activities taken during the course of the project go against it. With that said, this task is challenging for a single person to complete, which is why it is typical to hire assistance. Fewings and Henjewele (2019) recommend hiring consultants that specialize in such specialized topics to assist in the project manager’s work and describe a process for doing so. With the advice of said consultants, compliance with all regulations can be assured, enabling the work to proceed smoothly. Additionally, the project manager will be able to become more involved with the authorities and cooperate with them to turn the museum into a substantial part of the emirate’s cultural promotion effort.
To engage the community, the project manager will need to position the business in a manner that involves people beyond the basic operations. Brown, Carroll, and Buchholtz (2017) propose measures such as local sourcing, joining public policy debates, locating facilities in areas that benefit community development, and conducting additional community action programs. As such, it should be possible to leverage the museum’s specialization in UAE heritage to engage in educational tours for children and adults. By doing so regularly and free of charge, the project can promote its popularity in the community while also generating a positive reputation. Other methods of participation, such as using the entrepreneur grounds to occasionally host events, may also be possible, depending on the museum’s final design.
To maximize the advantages of working with the company’s owners, the project manager should regularly report to them and keep them appraised of the latest significant developments. Through transparent communication, it should be possible to secure their trust in the project to perform well regardless of the setbacks that may occur. Additionally, the manager will be able to learn of their changing needs and opinions on particular matters, which enables the timely adjustment of the necessary aspects of the project. With regard to the customers, the project manager should establish and maintain feedback and communication mechanisms. Visitors should be asked about their opinions, which then need to be compiled and processed. By using the results to focus on improving particular services, the museum should be able to create a contemporary and highly enjoyable experience, attracting additional people.
Conclusion
The project has substantial potential in Sharjah, but there are also complicating factors that require the project manager to perform excellently to guarantee success. They need to have a definite understanding of the four stakeholder categories identified: the authorities, the community, the company owners, and the visitors. The first needs to be kept satisfied through regular communication and careful compliance with the law. The second does not necessitate excessive effort but can benefit the business if it engages in community-centric initiatives. However, the other two stakeholder categories are both highly interested in the project and have large amounts of power over it. Therefore, for the owners, regular and transparent two-way communication is required to ensure that the project proceeds unimpeded. With regard to customers, feedback should be collected and incorporated into operations continuously to achieve improvement and superior satisfaction.
Reference List
2021 (2020) Web.
Brown, J., Carroll, A. B. and Buchholtz, A. K. (2017) Business & society: ethics, sustainability & stakeholder management. 10th edn. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Fewings, P. and Henjewele, C. (2019) Construction project management: an integrated approach. 3rd edn. Abingdon: Routledge.
McManus, P. M. (ed.) (2016) Archaeological displays and the public: museology and interpretation. 2nd edn. Abingdon: Taylor & Francis.
The construction of the California High-Speed Rail will solve the problem of ever-growing demands in transportation sector. The project focuses on building first the routes from San Francisco to Los Angeles and later constructing the railway from Sacramento and San Diego.
The planned routes can be used as environmentally friendly alternatives for passengers by taking advantage of travelling by car or plane. Because the project is large-scaled, it is split into several stages1.
First, the project managers and constructors seek to evaluate the requirements of the service area to comply with broader policy issues.
Second, the project analysis should also be concerned with accurate assessment of station location to ensure greater community input and improvement of the transportation system in California.
Better evaluation of possible gaps in project planning is possible through analysis of potential benefits. Economic advantages presuppose creation of new jobs for Californians that relate not only to construction but also to chains of restaurants and services suppliers along the routes.
Sustainability of the project consists in producing electric power by such renewable resources as solar and wind, which reduces the risk of smog and air pollution in the state2. Finally, cheaper and more convenient transport contributes to the economic and social welfare of the community.
In addition, it enhances public safety owing to the separation of existing tracks. The benefits enumerated above do not introduce financial issues about construction potential. Further assessment of the project, therefore, should be more concerned with numerical data, which plays a crucial role in analysis.
Despite the benefits, the project still fails to gain public’s trust in its sustainability. This is of particular concern to community and environmental issues.
Although the project aims to increase the employment rates in the state, many citizens reject to the construction of the new 800-mile system because of the fear of destruction of 220-mile route in downtown region3. Farmers also express their opposition to the project due to the farmland gobbling.
The construction, therefore, can destroy arable soil and deprive rural citizens of their only source of profit. However, the major concern should not be connected with land and financial issues, but to the route line chosen for construction.
In fact, the public is worried about the usability of the route in the Central Valley, as well as the threat of total reconstruction of the total area. Although the government reassures the population that the new railway system will not affect the Central Valley, the rural area is still under the threat.
The predictions made several years ago can be withdrawn by the current research dedicated to life-cycle assessment of the project to define environmental impact at each stage of transportation.
For instance, detailed evaluation of energy use and possible amount of gas emissions has discovered that the potential impact of the project is connected with supply chain process because nearly 67 % of emissions are due to the concrete production needed for construction4.
Despite the extensive energy consumption, high-speed rail project still manages to reduce environmental footprint of infrastructure by 15 %. However, even this insignificant problem can be compensated in future by introducing small and less power-consuming trains with 400 passenger seats instead of 12005.
Hence, the project managers can employ such facilities during low-traffic hours. Moreover, the high-railway system has succeeded in reducing the traffic area and increasing public safety.
The current research, therefore, provides sound and meaningful solutions to the previously identified problems. The project authorities should reconsider their budgeting schemes and include transparent reporting principle for the public to make sure that all construction procedures are carried out in compliance with the established norms.
Environmental concerns should also be eliminated due to the correction made to the train design. Although there are some negative consequences of concrete construction, the final outcome is worth considering because it can reduce the traffic in the most densely inhabited regions in California.
The controversies will be eliminated as soon as the government introduce sufficient media coverage of the project to ensure the citizens that the system can produce only positive influence on the economic and social welfare.
Works Cited
California High-Speed Rail Authority. Project Vision and Scope. 2008. Web.
The construction industry adopted specialized technologies in the design and management of projects. Activities in a building are established after the modelling stage, in which prototypes imitating real objects to be made in the project are created and assessed. This is done through Building Information Modelling (BIM), which integrates the entire life cycle of a project (Rui 83). In building, sculpting serves as a reference mostly because systems and processes are highly linked up. The demonstration is done through various software, which will be discussed later in the paper. Using BIM in engineering projects reduces cost, improves teamwork, and lessens risks and expenses. Application of software is relevant in simulation and visualization of project scope, schemes projection, and monitoring of changes in plan in terms of cost and design.
However, despite the numerous benefits related to BIM, they are associated with a couple of risks due to human errors, inefficient communication, and prototype setting techniques. Project managers should avoid relying on software models and consider deficiencies that could exist in the process (Patil et al. 2775-2780). Moreover, decision-making in firms that apply software design is complex due to diverse opinions from many parties. Different models have unique functionalities, and therefore, project managers can integrate them to increase construction efficiency. This report will be focusing on the five-modeling software and construction of the Kosciusko bridge in New York and will finally compare two projects in the USA.
2D Modelling Software
The 2D model is the most basic demonstration used in construction; it is applied in cutting shapes, especially in sheet materials. It involves vector art programs that utilize mathematic equations and geometrics, that is, points, shapes, and lines (Liu et al. 4). Programs in 2D are used in engraving through digital fabrication, for instance, laser and vinyl cutter and router. 2D vector graphics give machines instructions and are created using different software applications or downloaded from various digital sources.
The 2D model involves only two-dimensional components to assess the vertical and horizontal axes. It displays objects in height and length as to if they lie on a flat surface and do not express the depth. Each application for 2D is associated with different features in terms of cost, ease of use, capabilities, background information, portability and output, and operating system platform. Among the available software in 2D modeling are Gravit designer, Adobe illustrator, Google drawings, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, Rhino 2D CAD, and AutoCAD.
Figure 1: 2D Hydraulic modeling for highways in US river environments
3D Modelling Software
The 3D model is a three-dimensional space in which three elements of measurement, width, length, and height, are considered. It also comprises details on the relationship, geographic info of the building, and geometry. 3D is effective because it identifies and eliminates errors from 2D drawings (NT par.1-6). The model takes two major forms, first, as a design model in architectural, structural, site, and MEP, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing functions. Second, as a construction model in breaking down design simulation into building sequences.
Application of 3D begins in site planning, which is the first stage of the building project. This step involves determining the location’s entrance, establishing the fence (temporary), location of the tower crane, generator, hoister, water tanks, and other essentials in a workplace. The 3D demonstration shows the relationship of real facilities and tools in virtual space. It helps the contractors plan the space according to the location’s condition and optimize the area, equipment, and material stores. From a 3D model, the site’s correct layout is obtained, and a feasible construction plan is established.
Example of a 3D Home Model
The Icon is the first US company to permit 3D print homes. They use 3D printer Vulcan to print houses of 600800 square feet within a day. Vulcan II is efficient and requires approximately six people on the construction area to operate and lead the project (“Best Airport/Transit and Project of the Year Finalist: LaGuardia Airport, Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall” par. 1-5). They also use built-in CAD in planning and provide pre-print visualization for their clients. Icon has also developed a system for material handling and delivery known as Magma. The most available software for 3D modelling includes Sketchup, Blender, AutoCAD, Rhino, Revit, Maya, 3Ds Max, and many others.
Figure 2: 3D model of Icon’s reprinted homes
4D Modelling Software
4D is a model in which a 3D demonstration of a construction project is linked to scheduling through a suitable software program, displaying a project’s simulations in a 4D environment. In this prototype, business activities are visualized at a given time duration, which can be seen in 3D (Peterson et al.). Time schedules use the process daily, and monthly, clients can plan their projects effectively. 4D detects clash issues between special parties in a building and communicates them for modification to prevent construction collision risks, which causes delays.
In engineering projects, 4D is applied in management to monitor the time of entrance in the location, workforce, materials, tools, and other vital resources. It provides work schedules guiding every section in the process. This model’s essential feature is the powerful visualization and an efficient tool for communication between participants (Pham par. 1-3). It is easy for the members to monitor the project’s critical path since all the information they need, work schedules, process, and time is available. Additionally, this model assists in safety control on the site through hazard analysis from which a safety design is suggested. It also comprises accident examination and simulation software, which detects disasters before they appear (Balakina et al. 1). This helps establish a first aid plan and rescue workers in case of an accident, especially during the installation of steel components.
Example of Software and a Picture
A good example of a company using this model is 4D Construction LLC, located in Coral Gables, US. The company has only five employees across all the locations. The most common 4D software are Navisworks, Synchro, ArchiCad Navigator, Itwo, and Vico
Figure 3: 4D Model of the LLC Coral Cables
5D Modelling Software
5D can be defined as a model in which a 3D prototype is connected to schedule and cost using favorable software. It is applied in budgeting, which increases performance throughout the construction process. In the 5D model, it is possible to calculate the project’s cost, which is useful in rating the financial execution during the actual process. Contrary to the traditional method of project management in which quantity survey was difficult and considered a waste of time, a 5D model, is efficient and accurate (Rui 84). Originally, the QS calculation was done manually using CAD documents, which stored limited data and was prone to deviation due to human error. 5D model generates an updated quantity survey, even after modification of design. The software reduces potential manual errors and reduces the waste of reinforcement used in construction. By analyzing the steel ratio of a building and use of Radio Frequency Identification, a firm can enhance leftover management and determine the recyclable materials in the site.
Example and Picture
Examples of 5D software available include LOD Planner, Bimobject, Avail, Unifi, MagiCAD, Sketchup, Autodesk Revit, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, Aecosim, Allplan Tekla, Solidworks, RhiniBIM, Autodesk fabrication, Dynamo, Grasshopper, Hypar, Exgenerative design, Edgewise, Sefaira, Green Building Studio, Bim 360, Trimble Connect, ALLPlan BIMPLUS, ArchiBus, YouBim, and many others. Cityzenith is a good example of companies using 5D demonstrated in their 100 new city model. The model gives information on the project and other relations such as road networks, weather, traffic, satellite imagery, and other infrastructural layers.
Figure 4: Smart city model of London on City zenith’s Smart World Software Platform
6D Modelling Software
A construction project involves many processes from disparate people, and therefore, the project manager requires a system that can control the entire process. The traditional techniques used in building comprised information from numerous suppliers and contractors, which was recorded manually. The data was prone to error, and handing over was ineffective, increasing the chances of project failure. With 6D, more information about the project operation and maintenance are available (Montiel-Santiago et al. 5731). Additionally, the software is used jointly with RFID facilities and label chips, which helps the operators obtain important data in the building faster and clearly.
Throughout the building service duration, various facilities and structures must be maintained constantly to improve the project performance while reducing the total maintenance cost. Examples of such equipment include façade, water supply, electricity connection, firefighting scheme, beam, among many others (Pucko et al. 1-4). 6D is applied today in green construction to evaluate and assess the project’s compliance with the government and owner requirements. Some specifications are given concerns about energy consumption, lighting, air flow (internal and external), natural ventilation, crowd flow, and many others. This model works better with software for professional construction system analysis to verify energy usage according to the design’s sustainability standards and regulations.
Example of a 6D Structure Model
An example of a company using a 6D model is Karno Energy Engineering. The company applies 6D tools such as Revit Program in their construction projects. 6D applications design digital building prototypes that have details on the environment and other external influences on a project. They also use 6D bim in the analysis of the erection process and the project’s life cycle. This model’s simulations are used to obtain real-time insights into the system and determine time-consuming practices inside the construction site. The most available software includes Autodesk and Revit.
Figure 5: Karno Energy
Kosciusko bridge (New York) Project
Kosciuszko Bridge, or the K Bridge, is traverse Newtown Creek and Queen’s vis the Brooklyn –Queens headed to the west. It was built in two phases, an eastbound bridge completed in 2017, and a westbound finished in 2019. It is the first cable-stayed bridge in the united states and consumed a significant amount of resources. The bridge was built to counter traffic in the old one, which had become a problem in the state. Among numerous available designs, the New York State Department of Transportation was selected cable-stayed due to its ideal aesthetic and long span. Phase 1 was designed by HNTB Corporation, under the joint venture of Skanska USA-Kiewit Corp. and ECCO III Enterprises Inc. (SKE). Step two was planned by WSP USA and build by Granite Construction Northeast Inc.
The first phase heading to the east, Brooklyn to Queens, was a complex problem considering the heavy traffic in that region.
Figure 6: Kosciuszko bridge
The project had financial constraints due to limited funding. Therefore, the contractors had to look for ways to prevent schedule delays, reduce risks, and minimize the project’s costs for it to be successful. They used a unique approach to manage the project using data models, which incorporated costs and schedule in a visual simulation of the building phase. The method utilized a 3D model in conjunction with 4D and 5D designs to ensure time and money are taken into account. According to the project’s request for proposal, a 2C CPM schedule was demanded. CPM schedule used had a cost-loading component, and a 5D model was a compulsory feature for a contractor.
The 5D model was used in tracking the project and in the issuance of interim payments, which were parts of a lump-sum payment for different items. Additionally, the project utilized a visualization model in the evaluation and monitoring of the planned activities. Overall, the bridge’s establishment required 3D,4D, and 5D models to accomplish the construction’s key elements. In the project, the 3D model was a virtual design containing an illustration of physical objects as surfaces (The US Government and New York State Department of Transportation). It included 3D animations and simulations from the 4D schedule which served as a visual aid in the evaluation of proposals and public outreach.
During the development of 3D models, which served as a support to the 4/5D they used, Bentley and MicroStation format. Coast loaded progress schedules were developed and maintained by Oracle and Primavera software through P6 arrangement. Lastly, in developing 4/5 D prototypes and simulations, the contractor used Synchro and Professional / Autodesk Navisworks modelling software. Additionally, the project deployed SpringBoard data software as a host for the cloud service and a computer-aided design drafting (CADD) standard. All the software packages adopted in the construction were newly acquired and not owned by the agency until the project finished.
In addition to the Software requirements, the department of transport established a strategy for maintaining the models, tracking the software in use, change management, and quality control. CADD served as a contact for all activities related to modelling and simulation while still helping the managers in directing, scheduling, animation, and other responsibilities. Since the use of 5D is new in the industry, contractors conducted workshops to understand the model’s logic. Designers also established 2D CADD drawings, which were later converted into 3D model essentials.
However, during the project, various challenges were encountered by the department of transport and the design-builder. First, it was difficult for them to meet all the requirements to store and update modelling files via the SpringBoard server. Various software packages for updating 4D and 5D models were loaded. The second challenge regarded Synchro files’ size, which exceeded the capacity and bandwidth of the project’s server. Synchro’s frequent updates were required, yet it had to be completed by the running service on the same server.
There were other technical issues associated with the systems; for instance, in the system’s presence, the workers had to wait for it to be resolved before they could continue working. The team solved the problem by running the Synchro software from a different local machine and saving the files on the server frequently, providing 4D animations by the end of every month. Another issue emerged because the designs were established using 3D models, which were created from 2D drawings. The design process developed was inefficient, yet the team used many software packages.
From the project, the participants and the general public learned various lessons. First, before adopting any model or system in a project, team members should be trained appropriately and timely. Second, in any project, staff selected should be dedicated to the project and have the necessary technical skills to create and maintain models. Third, 3D design features should be established on time to accommodate all the requirements in 4D and all investment understood to gather the infrastructure and skills necessary. Lastly, in complex and capital-intensive projects such as the K Bridge, it is crucial to have a full-time scheduler on the building’s location.
Construction of LaGuardia Airport new Terminal B arrivals and Departure Hall
Figure 7: Rendering of the Newly Expanded LaGuardia Airport
Another recent US project that has deployed current technology is the construction of LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B arrivals and Departure Hall. The $4 billion projects were initiated to reduce the number of passengers who used the airport, which had increased significantly over the years. The construction was under Skanska and Walsh’s partnership and was among the complex projects done in the firm. The building team responsible for the project utilized the current technology to bring the resources and goals of the institution to fruition.
The contractors deployed disparate systems ranging from aerial photogrammetry to a 4D model of scheduling. They also used various 360-degree cameras, which produce over 15,000 capture pictures in every construction. Another technology used is laser scanning, which helped ensure the built environment are in line with the original 3D model of the project (ENR New York). A base map of the site was created using photogrammetry, which assists in the extraction of 3D info from the photographs taken. One challenge in the project was limited airspace, which could not allow the use of drone operators. The base map was loaded into 3D model, and specific details were obtained by the 3D laser scanner, which ensures that constructed objects conform with 3D BIM plan. The laser-assisted the construction team in capturing details of the facility without compromising the functioning of the airport.
Figure 8: LaGuardia
To ensure that collision was prevented in the construction process, different handling systems were established supported by numerous individual motors. The system is more than 7 miles passing through ceilings and walls such as a roller coaster. Contractors used a 3D BIM model, which was spread to the subcontractors on the site to prevent clashes on the baggage system operation. Space was reserved for every activity before the process commencement. The progress of construction was captured by cameras and distributed to people on the site for monitoring.
Comparison Between (Kosciusko Bridge and Construction of Laguardia Airport New Terminal B Arrivals and Departure Hall)
The two projects in the US applied various technologies under different designers and project managers. Despite the differences in the scope of the activities in them, the two projects are similar in many ways. The two projects were under the transport ministry, and their main objective was to counter traffic in the respective locations. During their initial stages, the tasks used 1D model for their research, which required details on government regulations, weather, existing conditions of the previous and existing facilities, estimation of area for the construction, consulting of experts, selection of software and design to be used I the real project.
After the research point, the projects deployed 2D models to draw images of the expected features and facilities, documenting the components of the project and selection of programming and communication channels. Using the 2D scope, the project managers established the content of the task, materials needed, structures, energy and the overall sustainability of the project. 3D model used in the two projects were from different software. For instance, the airport construction used laser scanning to obtain details from photographs. They also used python programming, programs of clash detection after which documents were presented regarding the project and its sustainability. Another common feature in the two tasks was their usage of 4D modelling in conjunction with a 3D prototype. The two projects used simulations in scheduling the project, planning, timelining and visual validation. Life cycle simulations helped in identification of critical path in both projects and ensured the actual construction went as per the plan established.
Construction of the airport did not use 5D model in its task while the bridge did. Contractors in the Kosciusko bridge applied 5D in costing and issuing contracts to the bidders. The project manager had a chance to enhance the project’s efficiency through fabrication models and analysis of the cost of the lifecycle. None of the projects used 6D in evaluating the performance of the facilities, probably because of the two is in the transport industry in which outcomes can hardly be quantified.
Summary
Application of business information modelling in the construction and building industry is associated with numerous benefits which revolve around cost and efficiency. Project managers today use technology to lead various activities on the site. This does reduce not only the number of employees required in project implementation and management but also shorten the time needed for different parts. There are various modelling software’s established by other companies for the execution of specific models. Models used in construction include 1D, which is used at the beginning of the project for conduction research, consulting of the experts and designing of the task.
The second model is 2D, also known as the vector, applied in the production process, implementation, database development and sustainability of the project. Another prototype is 3D which comprises of the shapes and used in representation, implementation of 2D drawings preparation of the final document of design, and sustainability concerns of the construction. The fourth model is 4D, in which the primary consideration is time. It is used in production scheduling, development of systems and simulations.
5D is the next model in the hierarchy, whose main factor is the cost of the building project. The model is applied in the production process, contracts development and awarding, and sustainability. 6D prototype, although not involved in all schemes, takes into account the performance of the assignment. It is used I evaluation of results, value engineering, save estimation and re-designing where appropriate. Some construction firms use a 7d model which is still unpopular, in efficiencies management.
Large construction projects, such as construction of highways, airports and storey-houses, utilize the modelling techniques to ensure all aspects of the development are safeguarded. However, the models are associated with many challenges especially because construction industry has not been using them. Only few workers in building sector are familiar with the software used in prototyping, and therefore, intensive training is needed before commencement of any project. If proper preparations are made for the applications, construction firms can reduce their cost, time and improve the overall performance of the project.
Works Cited
Balakina, Anastasya, Simankina Tatyana, and Lukinov Vitali. “4D Modeling in high-Rise Construction.” E3S Web of Conferences, vol. 33, no. 5, 2018, pp. 1-5.
“Best Airport/Transit and Project of the Year Finalist: LaGuardia Airport, Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall (Headhouse).” ENR New York, 2020. Web.
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The aim of the research is to investigate factors that would enhance construction project’s success sponsored by the government in Dubai. The researcher developed three objectives for this study as follows.
To review the initiation of government sponsored mega construction projects in order to understand the processes involved and how they influence success of the project.
To determine the level of government involvement in construction projects in various stages of project life cycle.
To identify specific challenges faced by Mega construction projects in Dubai within the past decade.
The previous chapter focused on the review of literatures in order to determine what scholars say about private construction of government projects. In this chapter, the focus will be on methods of data collection used in this study, its analysis and the presentation procedures.
The focus of this chapter will be to define methods that will be used to investigate factors that would enhance success in private construction of government-sponsored projects based on the information collected from primary sources. The first section of this chapter focuses on research philosophy used in this study.
It then proceeds to analyze the research design and its justification. This section explains why the researcher chose a given research design. The third section deals with the questionnaire design. Questionnaire was the main tool used in the process of collecting data.
The next section deals with the interviews used in the study to gather relevant data from the participants. The chapter then analyses sampling strategies used in the study, and data collection techniques. The next section of this chapter is a framework for analysing data before concluding it with a summary.
The researcher seeks to define an appropriate method that will be used to collect and analyse data from primary sources in order to validate findings from secondary sources as discussed in chapter two of this paper.
Research Philosophy
Research philosophy plays an important role in research because it defines the approach taken in the development of knowledge in the study. In quantitative research, deductive reasoning, also known as top down method, will be used. The figure below shows the systematic reasoning based on deductive methods.
Figure 1: Steps in Deductive Reasoning
As shown in the diagram above, this process starts with developing a theory that underpins the research topic. The next step is to develop hypotheses to be used in testing the theories. The following are the two hypotheses developed in the previous chapters.
H1o. Success of mega government projects is not affected by issues such as bribery and favouritism.
H2o. Engaging private players in mega government project through subcontracting is not a key driver of success.
The third step is the observation process where data is collected from the field. The researcher will base the observation on government-sponsored projects that are currently undertaken by private contractors. The observation also involves a detailed collection of primary data.
The final step is the conformation of the set hypotheses (Schwartz-Shea and Yanow 2006, p. 76). Through analysis of the primary data, it will be possible to confirm or reject the hypotheses set in the previous chapters. The researcher will use this deductive strategy in the study.
Research Design and Justification
The nature of this research makes it necessary to use quantitative data analysis methods. The reason for choosing quantitative result is the desire to confirm the research hypotheses through empirical study. The researcher intends to use mathematical tools in order to analyze the data collected from the field.
Structured questions can easily be assigned numerical values, making it possible to compute and analyze them mathematically. Quantitative methods will help the researcher to determine the level of acceptance of each of the set hypotheses.
According to Reis and Judd (2000, p. 34), structured questions are always important when the researcher is interested in capturing specific issues that can be codified for mathematical analysis.
The interviews will be very important in the study because they will allow the researcher to capture the facial expressions of the respondents, which may offer further explanations to some of the questions posed to the respondents.
Questionnaire Design
It is vital to define the questionnaire design used in this research. In order to collect the primary data, the researcher used questionnaires, which we delivered to the participants directly. The questionnaire was divided into different sections focusing on different issues of interest in this study.
The questions delved into specific issues concerning the private construction of government-sponsored projects in the country, and some of the challenges encountered during the formulation or implementation stages.
This research used quantitative methods, and for this reason, the questions used in this research were structured in order to enhance mathematical analysis. The researcher considered it necessary to employ structured questions to capture different aspects of issues under investigation.
The open-ended questions would be good because they give the respondents enough time to think about their response, a fact that makes them feel comfortable when responding to the questions set in the study. This would allow the researcher to understand the position of respondents and the reason why they gave specific responses.
These questions also minimise errors that could have occurred in the course of the research when the researcher has to guess why the respondent has given a specific response. However, the fact that they are not supported by mathematical analysis makes them undesirable for this study.
That is why they were avoided. The structured questions are easy to administer and it is time consuming. According to McConville and Chui (2007, p. 87), respondents are always comfortable with short clear questions which takes a short time to administer. This approach eliminates the possibility that they may ignore some of the questions.
Each response in the closed ended questions is given a statistical value for easy statistical interpretation. According to Rugg and Petre (2007, p. 23), closed-ended questions are compatible with computer package. This approach is more specific, which means that its answers are very consistent.
Achieving this consistency may not be possible when using unstructured questions. Finally, the closed-ended questions took lesser time to administer as compared to the open-ended questions, a fact that was important given the limited time that was available for the study.
The questionnaire was hand-delivered and administered by the researcher in the form of face-to-face interviews. The researcher recorded the responses from the participants personally. This decision was based on the amount of time available for the study. This method may be time consuming, but it is effective.
Besides, the method allowed the respondents to reflect on the set questions and answer them with accuracy. The method is not easily affected by the level of respondent’s literacy skills (Neergaard & Ulhøi 2007, p. 78).
The use of questionnaires enabled the researcher to capture the relevant issues that are unique to the private construction of government-sponsored projects within Dubai.
This was important because there was limited literature with the desired degree of relevance to the subject matter of private public partnership in managing projects in this country.
As the participants responded to the questions, the researcher was keen to capture any facial expressions that would give further clues to the responses beyond what the respondents were stating in words.
The availability of the participants heavily influenced the choice of this approach because most of the respondents were full time employees in the governmental departments and other private institutions, and for this reason, it is not easy to find all of them in one place at a given time.
After data collection, it went through a detailed analysis, which culminated into the discussion and conclusions as discussed in chapters four and five of this report.
Interviews
In order to collect the primary data from the field, the researcher organized interviews with the government officials in the relevant departments and private players who have been engaged in the construction of government-sponsored projects.
Before starting the interview, the researcher took an opportunity to explain to the participants the relevance of the study and the non-disclosure policy. The researcher assured the participants that this study was specifically meant for academic purposes, and that the identity of the participants shall not be revealed.
The face-to-face interview was a good strategy of collecting the information from the participants. It also allowed the researcher to capture the body language of the respondents. The researcher filled the questionnaires as the respondents answered the questions posed to them.
The structured questions required the participants to choose a specific answer from a series of choices presented to them based on their knowledge or personal experiences. The questionnaire used in the study is presented in the appendix.
Sampling
According to Jacobsen (2012, p. 74), a number of factors should be put into consideration when choosing the right method of sampling in any given study.
In this research, the aim was to interview the individuals who are directly involved in the private construction of government-sponsored projects in Dubai, especially those who have been in the industry for the past one decade.
Based on the required sample size, arrangements of meetings and the availability of the target population, the study interviewed clients, consultants and contractors. In total, the researcher chose 90 people to participate in this study.
The research focused on individuals that have the knowledge and strong opinions of this particular market, especially those who are directly involved in private construction of government-sponsored projects.
This relatively large sample size was chosen because it would provide a wide range of views, which increases the reliability and credibility of the study. The researcher felt that the more the interviews, the better the results.
However, the timeframe of conducting this research was a limit to the amount of interviews that could be carried out. In order to capture the participants from the identified groups above, simple random sampling approach was used in each group.
However, the researcher was keen to ensure that participants from these three categories were properly captured in this study. This was important in ensuring that each issue under investigation was responded to from all the possible perspectives.
The researcher made an effort to ensure that personal biases do not affect the process of choosing the participants. That is why simple random sampling was considered appropriate in selecting the participants for this study.
Data Collection
In this study, defining the scope of data collection was important in order to guide its usage. According to Groat, and Groat (2013, p. 56), sometimes one may misuse a given report by applying it in an irrelevant context, making it difficult to achieve the desired results.
For this reason, it was considered necessary to define the context under which the primary and secondary sources of data were collected. The researcher used the secondary sources of data to define the theoretical perspective of this research.
It is important to understand the fact that the information given by the secondary sources captured the topic under varying environmental factors and countries.
The primary source of data was obtained from the employees of the relevant government departments, educationists, and private sector players who are involved, in one way or the other, in the private construction of government-sponsored projects.
The researcher asked the participants about a number of issues relating to these projects within the country. The researcher explained to all the participants what this research is all about and why it was important to the researcher.
Although the secondary data was collected from literatures that focused on various countries, the process of collecting the primary data was restricted to Dubai because of the nature of the research. This means that it would not be appropriate to apply the information from the primary data on a global context.
Framework for Data Analysis
Data analysis refers to the process of transforming raw data into refined useful information that can be of use to people. Willis (2008, p. 86) advises that before settling on a method of data analysis, it is important to determine the approach to be taken by the research. The research can take quantitative, qualitative, or categorical approach.
This research emphasized on quantitative approach, although qualitative methods helped in explaining some of the statistical findings. Depending on the type and accuracy needed, data analysis can take a simple descriptive form, or a more complex statistical inferencing (Bowling & Ebrahim 2005, p. 52).
The technique used in the analysis can be univariate, bivariate or multivariate analysis. In selecting the appropriate method, a researcher should ensure that assumptions relating to the method are satisfactory.
In analyzing the collected data, the researcher will use appropriate statistical data analysis tools such as descriptive and inferential statistics in analyzing the quantitative data.
In relation to the quantitative analysis, Maxfield and Babbie (2012, p. 43) argued that the most commonly used sets of statistics include mean, frequencies, standard deviation, median and percentages. The researcher will code and enter the quantitative data into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20).
Using the spreadsheet, the researcher will be able to derive various statistical values needed for this study.
The researcher will also use descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, percentage, and frequencies to describe various issues about this topic. The findings of the study will be presented in charts, graphs, and tables to enhance clarity.
Since the research may entail comparison of the performance of some projects that were conducted in the recent past, there will be the need to employ correlation analysis to enhance clarity. Therefore, chi-square tests will be used to test the hypotheses.
Inferential statistics like chi-square tests help to test whether the observed relationships between the variables are genuine or due to chance. The statistical significance level used in the research is 0.05 indicating whether the observed association occurred by chance in 5 out of 100 results.
Chi-square is the most widely used measure of association in social science research, being suitable for use on nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio data. This will be important in accepting or rejecting the two hypotheses that were set in the previous chapters (Barton 2006, p. 45).
Summary of Methodology
This section addresses the research methodology used in this study. It is clear from the above discussion that although this research will be based on quantitative methods, the researcher will also use some elements of qualitative study to explain some of the statistical findings.
It means that the questionnaire will have structured questions. In defining the research philosophy, it is clear that the study will use deductive methods. It means that the researcher will develop hypotheses and use data to confirm it through analysis.
The researcher used questionnaires to conduct face-to-face interviews. The respondents were sampled from government agencies, the private sector, and educational institutions.
Simple random sampling was used to get the right sample size. Primary data collection was restricted to the city of Dubai. The use of mathematical methods enhanced the quality of this research.
List of References
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Bowling, A & Ebrahim, S 2005, Handbook of health research methods: Investigation measurement and analysis, Open University Press, Maidenhead.
Groat, L, Wang, D & Groat, L 2013, Architectural research methods, Cengage, New York.
Jacobsen, K 2012, Introduction to health research methods: A practical guide, Jones & Bartlett Learning, Sudbury.
Maxfield, M & Babbie, E 2012, Basics of research methods for criminal justice and criminology, Cengage Learning, Belmont.
McConville, M & Chui, W 2007, Research methods for law, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh.
Neergaard, H & Ulhøi, J 2007, Handbook of qualitative research methods in entrepreneurship, Edward Elgar, Cheltenham.
Reis, H & Judd, C 2000, Handbook of research methods in social psychology and personality psychology, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Rugg, G & Petre, M 2007, A gentle guide to research methods, McGraw-Hill Press, Maidenhead.
Schwartz-Shea, P & Yanow, D 2006, Interpretation and method: Empirical research methods and the interpretive turn, M.E. Sharpe, Armonk.
Willis, J 2008, Qualitative Research Methods for Education and educational technology, Information age Pub, Greenwich.
