Browsing by Author "Parameswaran, A"

Now showing 1 - 11 of 11

item: Conference-Full-text
Awareness and perception of quantity surveyors toward the smart construction concepts
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Rajapaksha, RSV; Devapriya, KAK; Parameswaran, A
The construction industry is undergoing a transformative phase due to the integration of modern technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Machine Learning, and Blockchain. Quantity surveyors, as pivotal figures in construction projects, must adapt to these advancements. Therefore, the research aimed to determine the perception and impact of new smart concepts and technological trends on quantity surveying professionals. Accordingly, the research adopts a mixed approach. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Manual content analysis and the Relative Important Index (RII) were used to analyse the collected data. The findings demonstrate that all identified smart construction concepts significantly influence the quantity surveying profession, with BIM exerting the most substantial impact. Further, the study emphasises the urgency for quantity surveying professionals to upgrade their knowledge and skills to remain relevant in this technologically advancing landscape. Moreover, the research recommended that industry professionals, construction organisations, and academia facilitate this knowledge enhancement through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) workshops, webinars, specialized training sessions, and formal education programs to stay abreast of these modern trends and technologies. Subsequently, this research serves as a valuable guide for stakeholders, encouraging proactive steps towards integrating modern technology into the traditional domain of quantity surveying.
item: Conference-Full-text
Cargotecture to minimise problems in post-disaster reconstruction projects in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) Gurusinghe, KD; Ranadewa, KATO; Parameswaran, A; Weerasooriya, D; Costa, MDD
Cargotecture is a sustainable housing solution that has gained popularity in recent years. However, its potential for Post Disaster Reconstruction (PDR) projects has not been fully explored locally and globally. This research aims to develop a framework to overcome the problems in the PDR projects through the implementation of cargotecture in Sri Lanka. A comprehensive literature review synthesises existing research on integrating cargotecture for PDR projects. The research adopted a mixed-method approach. A questionnaire survey was conducted with forty-five construction professionals selected through snowball sampling and data was analysed using RII analysis to identify the critical problems in PDR projects. Then, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten experts selected through selective sampling. Code-based content analysis was used to identify problems in PDR projects and the benefits of integrating cargotecture for PDR projects. The study revealed 18 problems in PDR Projects, while high time consumption was identified as a significant problem in PDR Projects. Further, the study identified 17 benefits of integrating cargotecture for PDR projects, including reducing construction duration and modularity. The study developed a framework which offers industry practitioners significant insight into the possible use of ISO shipping containers as a sustainable and cost-effective disaster relief housing option. From an academic point of view, the study adds to the current literature on disaster relief housing by investigating the viability of employing ISO shipping containers. The study serves as the foundation for more detailed research on the social and environmental implications of employing shipping containers for disaster relief housing.
item: Conference-Full-text
Challenges for commercial management in the construction industry: case for Sri Lanka
(Department of Building Economics, 2024) Sepalage, KD; Ranadewa, KATO; Wijerathna, MRDP; Parameswaran, A; Weerasooriya, D; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
Commercial management significantly contributes to preserving the value of construction projects and sustaining the industry. The fundamental purpose of commercial management is creating and maximising value through informed decision-making and overseeing the project. However, despite its critical importance, there exists a significant research gap regarding the challenges faced in effectively managing the commercial aspects of construction projects. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the challenges of commercial management in construction projects. Quantitative research approach was adopted to fulfil the aim of the study. The questionnaire survey was conducted among professionals in the construction industry which were chosen using the snowball sample method. Accordingly, an online questionnaire form was distributed among the professionals and collected seventy responses. Findings indicate that commercial management plays a pivotal role in project success, with parameters such as cost performance and anticipated profit levels being strongly influenced by effective commercial practices. However, challenges such as poor communication, change management, and external market forces pose significant obstacles. The study underscores the importance of addressing these challenges to enhance project outcomes and advocates for the adoption of innovative approaches to bolster commercial management practices in the construction industry. By shedding light on the unique challenges faced by commercial managers in Sri Lanka, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of how cultural, regulatory, and economic factors influence commercial management practices in different contexts. This knowledge expansion facilitates cross-contextual comparisons and strengthens the theoretical foundations of commercial management in the construction industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
Comparative analysis of challenges in manual and automated construction progress monitoring in Sri Lanka
(Department of Building Economics, 2024) Dilaksha, S; Ranadewa, KATO; Weerasooriya, D; Parameswaran, A; Weerakoon, P; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
Construction Progress Monitoring (CPM) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the timely and cost-effective completion of construction projects. Previous research has classified CPM techniques into manual and automated methods. While traditional manual CPM has been prevalent in the Sri Lankan construction industry, it suffers from several limitations that can impede project success. Despite the significance of CPM, both manual and automated techniques face challenges in implementation. Therefore, the research aims to explore the challenges associated with CPM in the Sri Lankan construction industry. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to establish a theoretical framework. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilising a questionnaire survey with a heterogeneous purposive sampling method, involving 68 respondents. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software. The study revealed different challenges in manual CPM and automated CPM specifically within the Sri Lankan context. One of the key takeaways of this study is that the challenges in manual CPM outweigh those in automated techniques. However, statistical analysis indicated that both manual and automated CPM face significant challenges, as evidenced by a negative skewness in survey data. Automated CPM heavily relies on computer vision technologies, with issues primarily arising from reality-capturing technologies. This study significantly contributes to the existing body of knowledge by identifying and categorising challenges in both manual and automated CPM within the Sri Lankan construction industry. The findings provide a platform for future research endeavours to devise strategies and solutions to address these challenges, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of construction progress monitoring in the industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
Construction industry on the brink: The COVID-19 impact.
(2022-06-24) Parameswaran, A; Ranadewa, KATO; Sandanayake, YG; Gunatilake, S; Waidyasekara, KGAS
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all industries globally, including the construction industry. As a result, the construction industry is experiencing several challenges in terms of delivering projects on time and on budget. However, a few studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has a positive impact on the construction industry. Hence, analysing the issues caused by COVID-19 is vital to lessen the effects of the pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry. Accordingly, a detailed literature review was carried out to gain a theoretical understanding of the topic. A quantitative research approach was used to collect data. The questionnaire survey was conducted using snowball sampling with a total of one 108 respondents. Statistical Package for Social Science" (SPSS) was used to analyse the collected data. The findings revealed 86 negative impacts for the construction industry owing to the pandemic, which was classified as resources-related issues, project management issues, quality issues, financial issues, contractual issues, safety issues, technology-related issues, and other issues for the construction industry. An increase in the price of materials and equipment, project cost, exchange rate, and inflation rate were noted as significant negative impacts to the construction industry. The research further identified twelve (12) favourable impacts for the construction industry as a result of the pandemic. Encouraging risk assessment and collaboration and encouraging Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were highlighted as the significant positive impacts. Therefore, strategies need to be identified to neutralise the negative impacts using the positive impacts caused by the pandemic. This study contributes to the body of knowledge to advance the construction industry towards the next level during the post- COVID-19 scenario, which will be the focus of the next phase of this research.
item: Conference-Full-text
Exoskeleton for health and safety in construction workers: a literature review
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2024) Wijesinghe, SMNB; Wijerathna, MRDP; Ranadewa, KATO; Parameswaran, A
Health and safety in construction are critical concerns, and exoskeletons present a promising solution to mitigate these issues. Designed to improve the ergonomics of wearers, exoskeletons are increasingly used across various industries. While this technology is relatively new to the Sri Lankan construction sector, it is already employed in many developed countries. The research aims to develop a conceptual framework for implementing exoskeletons among construction workers in Sri Lanka. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to assess the impact of exoskeletons on worker health and safety, emphasizing their ergonomic benefits and potential barriers to adoption. Findings indicate that exoskeletons have significant potential in reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) when properly integrated into construction tasks. The study proposes a conceptual framework that assists managers in selecting suitable exoskeleton types and tasks, aiming to enhance worker safety and productivity. This framework contributes to the construction industry by offering a structured approach to implementing exoskeletons, thereby addressing unique sector challenges and improving overall occupational health outcomes. Future research should focus on practical implementations and further exploration of barriers and facilitators to optimize exoskeleton adoption in construction contexts.
item: Conference-Full-text
Integrated project delivery implementation among construction SMEs in Sri Lanka: barriers and strategies
(Department of Building Economics, 2024) Lukson, EE; Ranadewa, KATO; Parameswaran, A; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are vital to Sri Lanka's economy, particularly in the construction sector, which largely relies on traditional procurement methods. This reliance results in persistent issues due to industry fragmentation. To address these challenges, it is vital to investigate the applicability of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), a procurement method tailored to address the needs of construction SMEs. Despite its potential benefits, comprehension and implementation of IPD within the Sri Lankan construction industry remain limited due to the intricate nature of SMEs. Hence, the study aims to investigate the strategies to minimise barriers to IPD implementation within construction SMEs in Sri Lanka through a qualitative approach. A total of 15 semi-structured interviews with Sri Lankan construction industry experts were conducted. The literature review identified a range of barriers, including financial, technical, legal, and cultural challenges, which were further explored through these interviews. The research highlighted the lack of advanced strategies within Sri Lanka's construction SMEs to address these challenges effectively. Significant barriers to IPD implementation, such as narrow-mindedness, reluctance to change, and copyright issues, were validated and identified through the manual content analysis. The study proposes several strategies to facilitate IPD implementation, including introducing new guidelines from the Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA), setting minimum parameters for team selection, implementing various versions of IPD rather than a pure IPD approach, and addressing conflict points early. The research offers valuable insights for both academia and industry practitioners, presenting strategies to enhance the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of construction SMEs through the adoption of IPD.
item: Conference-Full-text
Lean iceberg model to minimise barriers for digital twin implementation: Sri Lankan construction industry perspective
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) Bandara, DWJW; Ranadewa, KATO; Parameswaran, A; Eranga, BAI; Nawarathna, A
Digital twin technology holds immense potential for the construction industry in developing countries, while providing numerous benefits. Yet, financial, cultural, infrastructural and technological barriers hinder the implementation of digital twin. Researchers have emphasised the importance of considering both visible and invisible barriers of digital twin implementation. ‘Lean Iceberg Model’ (LIM) emphasises that most of the underlying barriers and problems in a project are invisible and unaddressed, and it is critical to solve these underlying issues to achieve effective implementation. The study aims to develop a LIM to minimise barriers for successful digital twin implementation in the Sri Lankan construction industry. This study adopts an interpretivism stance and employs a qualitative research approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 experts chosen through purposive sampling. VBA script was employed to analyse the data. LIM highlights the unseen aspects such as leadership, commitment, employee engagement, and organisational strategy as crucial to the successful digital twin implementation. Thus, a comprehensive approach is required to contemplates the technical aspects with the organisation's overall strategy, employee engagement, and leadership commitment. Moreover, cultural values, norms, leadership, and social networks are also examined to determine their impact on digital twin implementation. A framework for minimising the barriers to the implementation of digital twins in the Sri Lankan construction industry using the LIM has been developed incorporating the findings, which will offer valuable insights for construction industry professionals and policymakers interested in implementing digital twin to improve construction project management.
item: Article-Full-text
Resilience To Covid-19 Through Lean Construction
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2021-12) Parameswaran, A; Ranadewa, KATO
COVID-19 pandemic has been an alarming issue from the beginning of 2020 and is a significant disaster that affects each industry. In dealing with the consequences of the pandemic, the construction industry confronts several interruptions for the sustainable delivery of the projects. Many researchers stated that lean construction can minimise this impact Lean thinking is about engaging everyone, every day in handling interruptions and learning to react better. However, few discussions are there pertaining to how to implement and why to implement lean. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry' and evaluate the ability of lean construction to resilient COVID-19. Therefore, a comprehensive literature review has been carried out The findings revealed 67 negative factors categorised under resources-related issues, project management issues, quality issues, financial issues, contractual issues, safety issues, technology-related issues, and other issues for the construction industry due to the pandemic. Continuous improvement for the work under any risks, improvement in project performance, more satisfaction, and better value for the employer were highlighted as the main benefits of lean construction during the new normalcy. The developed conceptual framework unlocked several research arenas on lean in post-COVID implementation for the construction industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
State-of-the-art lean learning practices in construction: a case study in Sri Lanka
(Department of Building Economics, 2024) Parameswaran, A; Ranadewa, KATO; Rajini, PAD; Jayanetti, JKDDT; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
Integrating lean learning practices in construction is paramount for elevating project quality, thus bolstering industry competitiveness and sustainability. However, there exists a notable dearth of research addressing lean learning practices specifically within the Sri Lankan construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the state-of-the-art lean learning practices in the Sri Lankan construction industry. An interpretivism stance is adopted, and a qualitative research approach is used. A case study strategy was adopted, focusing on three large Sri Lankan contracting organisations selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with fifteen experienced individuals, and document reviews. The collected data was then analysed using code-based content analysis using NVivo 12. Different lean tools, including Last Planner System (LPS), Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and 5S, are presently being utilised in an ad-hoc manner within contracting organisations. Comprehensive lean learning practices, including regular training sessions, workshops, and hands-on exercises, were emphasised to translate theoretical lean concepts into practical knowledge. By identifying the ad-hoc nature of their implementation, the study shed light on the importance of structured lean learning initiatives tailored to different organisational levels. It is recommended to implement clear communication channels, ongoing training, and a culture of continuous improvement for sustaining lean transformation in the Sri Lankan construction industry. By focusing on lean learning practices, the topic acknowledges the continuous improvement aspect of lean construction, emphasising the need for ongoing education and skill development within construction teams. This study has the potential to contribute valuable insights to both academia and industry practitioners seeking to enhance efficiency, quality, and sustainability in construction projects.
item: Conference-Full-text
Status quo of digitalisation in the Sri Lankan construction industry
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) Perera, WSD; Ranadewa, KATO; Parameswaran, A; Weerasooriya, D
The construction industry faces various issues in completing the project effectively. Numerous studies have found that the construction sector has experienced a rapid and continuous digital transformation to tackle these issues. As a result, to successfully implement Industry 4.0 applications in the Sri Lankan construction industry, it is necessary to identify the status quo of digitalisation in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Therefore, the research aims to analyse the status quo of digitalisation in the Sri Lankan construction industry. The study employs a mixed-method approach consisting of two phases. In phase one, a questionnaire survey was conducted for 50 respondents selected through snowball sampling. The collected data were analysed using SPSS. In phase two, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 experts who had knowledge of Industry 4.0 and lean construction, selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted through code-based content analysis using NVivo 10. The study indicated that the overall level of digitalisation of the construction industry is lower, while BIM (Building Information Modelling), 3D printing, and Drones/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are the most often implemented applications. Research has made significant contributions to knowledge in identifying issues in the current construction industry in Sri Lanka and the level of implementations of Industry 4.0 applications in the construction industry to measure digital disruption in the industry. Accordingly, the research provides a path to investigate the barriers to implementing these industry 4.0 applications and strategies to eliminate those barriers to raise the construction sector's overall digitalization level.