Browsing by Author "Ling, FYY"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

item: Conference-Full-text
Conceptual framework of decision support model for the selection of structural frame material to achieve sustainability and constructability in singapore
(2012-06) Zhong, Y; Teo, EAL; Ling, FYY; Ofori, G; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
The construction industry plays a significant role not only in economic growth, but also in environmental impacts. As the global recognition on sustainable development, the construction industry is now highly challenged from high material consumption, energy consumption, CO2 emission, and social problems. In addition, Singapore government has launched buildability appraisal system and productivity enhancement scheme to encourage construction industry improve productivity. Under the pressure of reducing environmental impacts and increasing productivity, economic goal is not the only factor that should be considered when doing decision making. There is a clear need for a link between economic performance, environmental performance and productivity performance. Sustainability philosophy and constructability philosophy are useful when establishing such a link. However, little has been done on the connection between constructability principles and sustainable development. This paper presents a holistic framework to show the factors that affect the decision making on selecting structural materials. Based on the framework, a decision support model is established using Multiattribute value technique. The weights of 1st level factors and 2nd level attributes have been computed using AHP method and 1-5 likert scale method. The rating method is offered as well.
item: Conference-Full-text
Strategies to overcome challenges faced in managing construction projects in the United Arab Emirates
(2012-06) Ling, FYY; Dulaimi, MF; Ho, PJ; Ling, F.Y.Y., Dulaimi, M.F., & Ho, P.J. (2012). Strategies to overcome challenges faced in managing construction projects in the United Arab Emirates. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 229-236). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
The problems faced when managing projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are investigated and strategies to overcome the problems and improve project performance are recommended. The survey research design was adopted. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire. Data were collected via interviews with experienced personnel who have worked in the UAE construction industry. It was found that a high proportion of projects in the UAE experienced budget and schedule overruns. The findings show several unique challenges exist in managing projects in the UAE. The first is when foreign consultants fail to consider differences of language, culture, religion, customs and preferences, and this lead to disharmony and resentment. The second challenge is project-related issues such as contract documentation, technical details of construction, materials delivery and document approval and permits are not well-planned nor subject to rigorous risk analysis prior to project commencement. Finally, environment-related issues faced are extreme weather conditions which pose a challenge to foreign staff. It is recommended that foreign firms build closer relationships with clients and local authorities to establish trust that would help in a smoother process in obtaining approvals and resolving disputes. It is necessary to employ more foreign labour during Ramadan to compensate for the lower productivity on site due to fatigue and shorter working time. Protective measures must be taken to shield labourers from the intense heat and ultraviolet radiation. Cold water points and salt pills to replenish fluids lost through perspiration should be provided.