Browsing by Author "Senaratne, S"

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Academic research in emerging knowledge-based economies: The case of Sri Lankan construction industry
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2018) Hadiwattege, C.; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, Y; Fernando, NG
Purpose – Knowledge-based economies are popular in the present world. Simultaneously, universities are becoming more responsible for leading economic development through research. As a key contributor to the national economy, it is vital for the construction industry to move beyond outdated practices, and hence, reviewing the role of academic research in empowering the construction industry with knowledge is essential. The purpose of this paper is to focus on how relevant theories conceptualise the expected role of academic research in the innovative development of an industry and the specific location in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – Following a comprehensive literature review, empirical data were collected from the Sri Lankan context with a mixed approach informed by a pragmatist philosophical stance. The perspective of academia and industry practitioners were deductively obtained through surveys and inductively explored through qualitative interviews. Findings – This study provides evidence that academic research in Sri Lanka does not contribute effectively to innovative construction management. Due to the absence of industry-focussed knowledge dissemination strategies, the academic–industry relationships are mostly non-research based. The industry lacks in research-informed-decision making, leading to lesser innovations. Research limitations/implications – The research conclusions are more applicable to the developing country construction industry contexts. Practical implications – The research urges the need for improved academic–industry research collaborations and strategic knowledge dissemination movements. Originality/value – The research confirms that academic research is a major integral part of the developing construction industry in a knowledge-based economy. In establishing the expected role of academic research, the research revealed the current practice to be under-located. Hence, the research prescribes the necessary actions; research collaborations in major and subsequent requirements.
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Adaptability of integrated project delivery in a construction industry
(2012-06) Jayasena, HS; Senevirathna, NS; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Within the traditional procurement system, level of achievement of client and contractor objectives may vary depending on the type of procurement used. This may further create a gap between the expected and actual performance of the project. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is the modern development of the procurement systems in the industry where collaborative innovation is the path used to achieve the goals of a project. Appreciable characteristics and benefits of this concept convert the construction industry towards it. It is observed that United States of America is the first to develop and implement this concept specially focusing on the public sector. Although, the concept is not yet popular around the world, it is likely that the clients will demand for it in future due to economic and managerial advantages it brings. Thus, it is important that an industry be prepared to adapt the system as and when the need arises. Identifying this need, a literature synthesis on requisites and barriers for successful implementation of IPD is presented in this paper. The findings shall become valuable source for any construction industry to assess their readiness and take necessary steps to be ready to implement IPD system successfully.
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An analysis of construction law and disaster management law relating to sustainable development in Sri Lanka
(2012-06) Abeynayake, M; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Construction Law may be defined as the law that regulates built environment in relation to construction activities. This law also deals with physical planning techniques and protection of natural environment. Law governing in built environment in Sri Lanka is largely based on legislation. Main physical planning legislations in Sri Lanka are Urban Development Authority (UDA) Law No. 41 of 1978, Town and Country Planning Ordinance No. 16 of 1946, Municipal Council Ordinance and Urban Council Ordinance of 1947, Pradeshiya Sabhas Act of 1987, and their amendments. Provisions of these legislation are controlling construction activities in their regions. National Environment Act of 1980 controls EIA and EPL relating to the construction industry. The Sri Lanka Parliament enacted two legislations after the tsunami namely Tsunami (Special Provisions) Act No. 16 of 2005 and Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005 for the rehabilitation activities. These two Acts have mentioned planning and recovery techniques and elements of disaster management law. In the post tsunami reconstruction work, the government has given high priority to rebuild human settlements. However there are some discrepancies in these legislation and are not accepted in sustainability concepts. Hence, the aim of this research is to compare existing Construction Law and Disaster Management Law relating to the construction industry in Sri Lanka and recommend improvements to the Construction Law practices in order to make sustainability concepts more effective. Through a literature review of recent court cases, this research has analysed the basic concepts and discrepancies of the above mentioned law in Sri Lanka.
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Application of concurrency in delay claims
(2012-06) Baduge, S; Jayasena, HS; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
It was observed that the consideration of concurrency in delay claims in Sri Lankan construction industry is significantly low. A study was conducted to identify key reasons for low consideration of concurrency in delay claims analysis. A three-round study method was adopted. First was a pilot study by means of interviews to explore concurrent delay practice in Sri Lanka. Second was a round of semistructured interviews among key parties to a contract to identify significant causes affecting consideration of concurrency in delay claim analysis. Third round was a document survey aiming to identify lapses in documents which could affect successful practice of concurrent claim analysis. The study concludes that quality of documents is the most significant cause affecting the consideration of concurrency in delay claims analysis and identifies number of lapses in documents which contribute to low consideration of concurrency in delay claims. In addition to improving documentation practices, enhancing employers’ awareness on concurrency is also suggested as a necessity to improve concurrent delay analysis practice in the Sri Lankan construction industry.
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Application of team role theory to construction design teams
(Taylor & Francis, 2015) Senaratne, S; Gunawardane, S
Teams are the primary unit of working in the construction industry, and thus the performance of an industry can be improved when team performance is improved. Therefore, managers in the field should be well aware of good team-working practices for successful forming and managing of teams within construction industry and many authors in the field have pointed out this as a necessity. Team composition is a key factor in influencing team performance; when considering the team composition, it is relevant to take into account the different roles which the members play and the way they interact with one another. Team roles of the members can be used as a tool for the team to have effective execution of their work, effective management of their relationships with its environment and also to maintain the team’s strength in meeting social needs of individuals who form the team. The design team being a major and most prominent sub-team will have an impact on project success; the applicability of team role concept in construction design teams will be beneficial to its clients, project managers, team members and, finally, for the project and construction industry as a whole. According to Belbin’s team role theory, when a team is more balanced in terms of the spread of naturally occurring team roles, it tends to be high performing. This study explored the existence of team roles and their effect to team performance in construction design teams. To explore this research problem, three case studies of in-house design teams which were involved in building construction projects with separated procurement arrangement were conducted in Sri Lanka. Team roles of the design team members were assessed using the Belbin Team Role Self Perception Inventory, while semi-structured interviews were conducted with the key design team members as well as team selectors. The findings revealed that individuals are assigned to design teams considering their functional roles rather than team roles. But, team members naturally adopted team roles in a way that it suits their functional role, project requirements and team setting under which they operate, in most of the situations. Team performance was affected by several complex factors. Hence, even though there seems to be an effect from team role balance to team performance, it could not be isolated and figured out. Despite this limitation, this study offers implications particularly to design team selectors such as clients and their project managers on application of team role theory in construction context.
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Appropriateness of lean production system for the construction industry
(2012-06) Vilasini, N; Neitzert, TR; Jayatilaka, PR; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
The manufacturing industry has been a constant reference point and a source of innovation for construction over many decades. The lean concept is one of such strategies adopted by the construction industry from the manufacturing industry to improve performance. In order to take benefit of lean techniques developed in the manufacturing industries, it is important to identify which categories of manufacturing systems are best applicable to construction. Many research studies have identified construction as a lean resistant industry because it differs from manufacturing due to site production, temporary multi-organisation and one-of-a-kind nature projects. The main objective of this study is to find different characteristics of construction processes and how lean techniques can be adopted to them. The method used for this study is a practice oriented research approach where it compares the characteristics of two construction processes with manufacturing process characteristics. In the attempt of visualising the existing process, value stream mapping techniques were used. It is identified that the construction process is a combination of fabrication and assembly processes with different characteristics such as layout, material flow, information flow, and work element. It can be concluded that certain construction techniques like pre-fabrication soften the construction peculiarities.
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Arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution method in the construction industry of Sri Lanka
(2012-06) Abeynayake, M; Weddikkara, C; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
The construction industry in Sri Lanka covers a complex and comprehensive field of activities. Disputes might arise at any point during the construction process. Dispute resolution systems are changed with the interaction of the parties. Arbitration is a voluntary procedure available as an alternative resolution to litigation, however not enforceable as the means of settling disputes except where the parties have entered into an arbitration agreement. Construction claims tend to be of the most technical nature - intensive and multifaceted than most other commercial disputes. The desirable features of arbitration are fast, inexpensive, fair, simple, flexibility, confidentiality, minimum delay. Sri Lanka Arbitration Act No. 11 of 1995 stated arbitration principles and UNCITRAL Model Law. However, there is a necessity to reviewing and improving of the arbitration practice periodically in order to minimise the cost and complexity of the procedure. This research is ultimately aims to assess significant attributes of arbitration in construction industry of Sri Lanka. This paper reports on findings gained from the literature review and preliminary survey conducted to explore the current status of arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution method in Sri Lankan construction industry. Current findings indicate that the construction professionals have minimum level of satisfaction on the current arbitration practice; however, they believe that arbitration is an effective mechanism for dispute resolution. The results of this study enabled to gain an understanding on the current arbitration practice and its significance and offer suggestions to improve current arbitration practices in the Sri Lankan construction industry.
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Building energy consumption factors: a literature review and future research agenda
(2012-06) De Silva, MNK; Sandanayake, YG; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
The Sri Lankan energy supply system faces several major strategic challenges due to high annual electricity demand growth rate and hence it is required to double the electricity generation capacity in every ten years. Ministry of Power and Energy predicted regular power cuts in the foreseeable future due to lack of rainfall within the hydro-catchments areas. In the coming years, oil price hikes will have a great impact on the operation of thermal power plants. Sri Lanka has now become the highest electricity bill spender in Asia and the status of energy poverty seems rather alarming. Sri Lankan energy statistics confirm that the building sector has contributed heavily on the energy, exceeding the industrial and transportation sectors. Occupant behaviour toward energy consumption have a significant impact on energy poverty and the initiation of large scale development projects after the three decades conflict pave the way to energy poverty to step up. In order to alleviate energy poverty, it is important to investigate the factors influencing the building energy consumption and their impact on power crisis. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to critically review the factors affecting building energy consumption. A comprehensive literature review and a desk study of Sri Lankan energy reports were used out to investigate the power crisis in Sri Lanka and the factors influencing building energy consumption. Five factors and 36 sub factors identified from the literature review will be used to identify critical factors affecting building energy consumption during the next phase of the study.
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Building information modelling for Sri Lankan construction industry
(2012-06) Jayasena, HS; Weddikkara, C; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is relatively a new buzzword in the Construction Industry; however BIM is not yet practiced in Sri Lankan construction industry and not many in the industry know about it. BIM is now becoming popular and likely to be industry standard for project design and hence a key tool in project procurement in future. Integration of BIM into project development life cycle would create deviations in traditional parameters of procurement systems. As a result, a construction industry in which building procurement is based on BIM is thought to be quite different from the today’s systems. The industry needs to understand its potentials in order to develop strategies for BIM integration. Under this context, a research is conducted with broader aim of integrating BIM in Sri Lankan construction industry. This paper is presented with its preliminary findings from a literature review on features and requisites of BIM, developing logical conclusions in terms of BIM’s potentials for Sri Lankan construction industry. It finds that BIM leads to a more efficient industry and will save both time and cost; and the technology is unlikely to be a significant barrier for BIM implementation.
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Communication in construction: a management perspective through case studies in Sri Lanka
(Taylor & Francis, 2016) Senaratne, S; Ruwanpura, M
Effective communication process is essential for the success of construction projects. Previous research shows that construction project teams spend majority of their time communicating with other parties and stakeholders. However, only few previous studies address projectlevel communication process in construction, in particular, from a project management perspective. This research aimed to explore how construction project teams manage different stages of project communication process as identified in the project management bodies of knowledge, namely stakeholder identification, communication planning, information distribution, stakeholder management and performance reporting. The case study research method was used to investigate the research problem. Three construction projects in Sri Lanka were chosen for the study. Semi-structured interviews with top management who represented each key party (client, consultant and contractor) were undertaken within the selected cases. The findings revealed how project communication process was managed by the project team by use of various project management tools and techniques during the five key stages. This research offers useful implications for the construction industry, in particular, on how construction project teams should engage formally in managing communication process by use of appropriate project management tools and techniques. Further case studies will help us to confirm the research findings in a wider context.
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Comparison of embodied carbon estimating methods
(2023-07-21) Rodrigo, N; Perera, S; Senaratne, S; Jin, X
The Australian building sector contributes up to 36% of carbon emissions emphasising the importance of carbon management. Embodied Carbon (EC) and Operational Carbon (OC) are classified as two main types of carbon emissions in buildings. Zero carbon projects have gained popularity nowadays where OC is reduced to zero, which enables EC to increase. The focus should have been to reduce overall emissions. The current EC estimating databases and tools could result in inaccurate EC estimates due to various reasons, such as different system boundaries, different geographical locations, lack of standardisation and so forth. To address prevailing shortfalls, a new methodology, Supply Chain based Embodied carbon Estimating Method (SCEEM), has been introduced. This study aims at comparing EC estimates prepared using SCEEM against existing carbon estimating databases/tools. A case study was selected to collect data and estimate EC using SCEEM as well as selected database, Blackbook, and tool, eToolLCD. The results indicated that the EC estimates prepared for the case study was quite high in the selected database/tool compared to the EC values of SCEEM. The percentage difference between SCEEM vs Blackbook and SCEEM vs eToolLCD, was more than 50% for most of the items within the collected data set. The first principles-based methodology considered in SCEEM ensures the accuracy and consistency of estimates prepared using SCEEM.
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Comparison of key competences of clients and design-build contractors in the construction market of the people’s republic of China (PRC)
(2012-06) Xia, B; Chan, APC; Zuo, J; Xia, B., Chan, A.P.C., & Zuo, J. (2012). In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. pp. 427-433). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Clients and Design-Build (DB) contractors are two key stakeholders in DB projects, and contribute significantly to the successful project performance. This study aims to identify and compare such key competences in the construction market of the PRC. After the survey of available literature and face-toface interviews, a two-round Delphi questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the key competences of clients and DB contractors in DB projects. Relative importance of these identified competences were ranked and compared. The questionnaire results indicated distinct differences between the key competences of clients and that of contractors. The contractor’s key competences emphasise on DB experience, corporate management capability, building and design expertise, financial capability, enterprise qualification and reputation. While the client’s competences focus on the ability to clearly define the project scope and requirements, financial capacity, contract management ability, adequate staff, effective coordination with DB contractor and similar DB experience. Both clients and DB contractors should clearly understand the competence requirements in DB projects and possess all the necessary competences for the successful outcome of DB projects. The identification of these key competences provides clients and DB contractors with indicators to assess their capabilities before going for the DB option. Furthermore, the comparison of competences for clients and DB contractors will result in better understanding of DB system and improve the communication between these stakeholders.
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Comparison of sustainable materials for railway track support systems: a literature review
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2017-06) Senaratne, S; Mirza, O; Dekruif, T; Sandanayake, YG; Ramachandra, T; Gunatilake, S
Timber transoms have been extensively used in the railway industry for decades and are considered the most efficient and effective in terms of reliability and performance for railway infrastructure transom components However, many studies have raised concerns surrounding the future of sustainable use and cyclic maintenance and replacement requirement of timber transom’s in railway infrastructure Over the past decade, there has been significant research and development in alternative railway transom replacements using a variety of new materials. It is vital to develop a detailed understanding of existing and new alternative transom materials that are emerging into the railway industry and delineate whether these materials may be suitable as a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. Hence, the aim of this paper was to evaluate suitability of alternative transom materials as a substitute to existing transom materials in railway track support systems. The alternative materials considered were Precast Concrete and Composite Fibre Technology Panels against the conventional timber transforms. The paper offers a comparison between these materials through a literature review. It was concluded that the fibre composite alternative has the most beneficial alternative transom option and the railway industry could consider this material as an innovative, sustainable material for railway track support system.
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A conceptual framework for client financed construction and non-traditional approaches for financing construction work
(2012-06) Abeysekera, V; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
The basic premise of the client-financed-construction philosophy is that those who commission service providers must not only pay for their services for the cost of their labour, materials, plant and equipment but do so in a manner that adds value to all parties. A new framework for proposing, evaluating and implementing such systems has been conceived which is used for evaluating three nontraditional approaches for financing construction work, and thereby validating the framework. The three approaches, namely, ‘rolling advance payment’, ‘rolling material price advance’, and ‘direct financing’ have been described and analysed with the ‘rolling advance payment’ approach being described as a revolutionary approach for solving problems connected with financing contractors and as an approach that has much potential to add value to all parties. The two systems are particularly useful as a crisis management system in projects saddled with cash flow problems bringing ‘life’ to almost ‘dead’ projects with potential benefits to all parties. The paper calls for good construction project management as an essential condition for implementing these schemes with particular attention given to risk management and local construction culture.
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Conceptual framework for understanding construction project culture: a literature review
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2014-06) Samaraweera, AUAA; Sandanayake, YG; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Complex human behaviours and thoughts bound by the complex construction activities have made the topic “construction project culture” an ambiguous area in the construction management literature. Despite of a several few attempts, definition of the construction project culture still remains as an area to be unveiled. This paper attempts to provide a conceptual framework for understanding construction project culture by highlighting few questions to be answered in the process of defining a project culture. The initial question raised is; ‘what cultural manifestations in deed represent construction project culture?’ next; ‘how does construction project culture exists: its structure?’ and, finally; ‘how does construction project culture emerges?’. These questions have been answered by an extensive literature review emphasising; underlying assumptions to give the true representation of construction project culture which is structured in sub-cultural groups that could be analysed in integrated, differentiated and fragmented perspectives and arguing its emergence to be with the project team efforts of answering internal integration and external adaptation problems of the project team itself. Further research of this paper will aim developing methodological frameworks to carry out empirical studies to answer the highlighted research questions and to bring empirical evidence to what the construction project culture is.
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Conceptual framework for understanding construction project culture: a literature review
Samaraweera, AUAA; Sandanayake, YG; Senaratne, S
Complex human behaviours and thoughts bound by the complex construction activities have made the topic “construction project culture” an ambiguous area in the construction management literature. Despite of a several few attempts, definition of the construction project culture still remains as an area to be unveiled. This paper attempts to provide a conceptual framework for understanding construction project culture by highlighting few questions to be answered in the process of defining a project culture. The initial question raised is; ‘what cultural manifestations in deed represent construction project culture?’ next; ‘how does construction project culture exists: its structure?’ and, finally; ‘how does construction project culture emerges?’. These questions have been answered by an extensive literature review emphasising; underlying assumptions to give the true representation of construction project culture which is structured in sub-cultural groups that could be analysed in integrated, differentiated and fragmented perspectives and arguing its emergence to be with the project team efforts of answering internal integration and external adaptation problems of the project team itself. Further research of this paper will aim developing methodological frameworks to carry out empirical studies to answer the highlighted research questions and to bring empirical evidence to what the construction project culture is.
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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.
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Construction project leadership across the team development process
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2015) Senaratne, S; Samaraweera, A
Purpose – The construction industry mostly adopts teams consisting of a collection of diverse professionals in each of its product delivery projects, where normally the construction project manager (CPM) becomes the leader of such a project team. The purpose of this paper is to identify the leadership roles of the CPM across the team development process. Design/methodology/approach – This was approached through a multiple case study research method carried out using three construction projects in Sri Lanka; two projects on traditional procurement method and another on design and build procurement method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the respective project managers and with other three distinct team members of each project. Findings – Based on the findings, leadership roles of the CPM across the team development process were revealed with the situational factors that affect these leadership roles in each stage of the team development process. Originality/value – Even though project leadership is discussed by pervious researchers, concrete evidence has not been provided to show how it should change at different stages of a project. This research addresses this gap and would guide CPMs to change their leadership role appropriately to suit the needs of each team development stage.
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Construction project teams and their development: case studies in Sri Lanka
(Taylor & Francis, 2009) Senaratne, S; Hapuarachchi, A
The construction industry can benefit from teamworking because construction products are delivered by a collection of diverse professionals. The importance of teams and their development in construction is an issue of international relevance – several influential government reports in the UK have highlighted this. However, effective teams cannot be created at a stroke – they need time and the opportunity to mature. This is usually referred to as team development and this area has been the subject of several research studies. However, there is a lack of research into the nature of construction teams and their development. This study explores how construction project teams go through a team development process. It was approached through case studies of three representative construction projects in Sri Lanka. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five distinct participants of each selected construction team during data collection. Based on the findings, a model of team development with regard to construction teams in Sri Lanka was developed. The new model indicates that construction teams develop in a linear sequence, as suggested in the literature. However, the study unearthed that within this basic linear sequence, several cycles can be created. It is hoped that these findings will be useful to general construction teams that operate under separated contract arrangements in other countries.
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Construction quality : Sri Lankan contractors perspective
Jayarathna, WTI; Senaratne, S
In today' changing environment, quality is the key to an organisation's success and survival. Many construction organisations have turn to adopt quality as a reliable management tool. With this perspective, the research problem is articulated for this study as follows: "How does the Sri Lankan construction contractors identify and utilize quality in their organisations ". The research methodology adopted for this study was qualitative, within which case studies were used to investigate the research question. The primary data collection technique used in the case studies was semi structured interviews. Content analysis and cognitive mapping techniques were used to analyze primary data. The study identified several causes for poor construction quality and current practice of quality planning. The ISO 9000 quality management system is the most widely practicing or almost only system practicing in construction organisations, as it is a mandatory requirement acted by the ICTAD (Institute for Construction Training and Development). It was also identified that Sri Lankan construction industry is less exposed to new quality approaches such as total quality management, six sigma and benchmarking and etc. Several prerequisites for successful implementation of strategic quality planning in Sri Lankan context are also proposed including a strategic quality framework for construction organisations.