Browsing by Author "Somarathna, KKGP"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

item: Conference-Abstract
Covid-19 and informal labour in construction : a narrative analysis of webinar discussions
(2021-07) Jayalath, C; Somarathna, KKGP
Many countries after a remarkable spike in COVID-19 cases, opted to lockdown and quarantine curfew that restricted the movement of people. Construction is one of the main sectors experiencing a clear impact due to COVID-19. As a significant growth driver of the economy, the domestic construction industry employs nearly one million of the population directly in various trades. Unfortunately, almost every project has been severely hampered. It is, therefore, prudent to address the impact of the pandemic on construction labour at the outset and end of the crisis to prepare for any future challenges or opportunities that it may undergo. This study aims to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the construction industry's survival and possible measures to be taken in both the short and the long run. This paper summarizes using a narrative analysis of the key takeaways of 15 webinar discussions on the COVID-19 impact and outlook of the construction sector in Sri Lanka. The impacts and fallouts have been addressed by key industry personnel. The study found the most prominent impacts of COVID-19 are the suspension of projects, labour impact, and job loss, time overrun, cost overrun, and delay in payments. The findings of this study shed light on the consequences of the sudden occurrence of a pandemic and raise awareness of the most critical impacts which cannot be overlooked. The findings also help project stakeholders prepare for any future worst-case scenarios.
item: Conference-Abstract
Key performance indicators in upholding scope creep management in road projects
(2021-07) Jayalath, C; Somarathna, KKGP
Scope creep has been a day-to-day occurrence in almost every major road project causing a considerable cost overrun with no early dimple. This paper offers a critical appraisal on the dominant causes behind scope creep in the road projects. A comprehensive literature survey was undertaken to explore the factors specifically contributing scope creep and various control measures that are adopted, among other purposes, in at least reducing the impact due to scope creep in the final delivery of road projects. The study included interviews with 15 experts to identify major issues and add their hands-on experience. A questionnaire survey was subsequently administered among 100 industrial personnel having a cost management background in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the key performance indicators (KPIs) in terms of taming scope creep. Results from the study showed that concomitant client instructions on additional features, unclear scope and incremental changes cause scope creep throughout the project. Among 53 KPIs identified, the most effective KPI that enables adequate control of scope creep in road projects is the cost efficiency ratio. The results enable comprehending the causes of scope creep and its resultant net effect on cost control.
item: Conference-Full-text
Risk associated with facilities management outsourcing and its impact on service performance
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2016-07) Somarathna, KKGP; De Silva, N; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Ramachandra, T
In Sri Lanka, Facilities Management (FM) outsourcing has shown steady growth in recent years. Although FM outsourcing has become popular, organizations do not aware about what risks are involved with outsourcing and its impact on service performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop the strategic framework to analyse risks associated with FM outsourcing and their impact on service performance. Firstly, a literature review was done to identify FM outsourcing risks and its impact on service performance. Further, management strategies were reviewed to overcome FM outsourcing risk with a view to improving performance. A quantitative research approach based on questionnaire was followed to achieve research aim. The initial literature survey findings and preliminary survey finding were included in the questionnaire. Subsequently, questionnaire survey was conducted among the professional experts in both FM service provider companies and client organisations. The results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Accordingly, 31 factors were identified among the analysed 32 FM outsourcing risk factors. The relationship between FM outsourcing risks with service performance attributes were identified by using correlation analysis and FM service provider related risks were rated at the high side of correlation. The factor analysis was also carried out and six management strategies were identified as the most efficient strategies. Finally, a framework to enhance the FM outsourcing practice was developed based on the research findings, in order to suggest appropriate solution to overcome FM outsourcing risk. Hence developed framework can be used to effectively manage FM outsourcing practice for FM practitioners.
item: Conference-Full-text
RISK ASSOCIATED WITH FACILITIESMANAGEMENT OUTSOURCING AND ITS IMPACT ON SERVICE PERFORMANCE
(2016-09-07) Somarathna, KKGP; De Silva, N
In Sri Lanka, Facilities Management (FM) outsourcing has shown steady growth in recent years. Although FM outsourcing has become popular, organizations do not aware about what risks are involved with outsourcing and its impact on service performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop the strategic framework to analyse risks associated with FM outsourcing and their impact on service performance. Firstly, a literature review was done to identify FM outsourcing risks and its impact on service performance. Further, management strategies were reviewed to overcome FM outsourcing risk with a view to improving performance. A quantitative research approach based on questionnaire was followed to achieve research aim. The initial literature survey findings and preliminary survey finding were included in the questionnaire. Subsequently, questionnaire survey was conducted among the professional experts in both FM service provider companies and client organisations. The results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Accordingly, 31 factors were identified among the analysed 32 FM outsourcing risk factors. The relationship between FM outsourcing risks with service performance attributes were identified by using correlation analysis and FM service provider related risks were rated at the high side of correlation. The factor analysis was also carried out and six management strategies were identified as the most efficient strategies. Finally, a framework to enhance the FM outsourcing practice was developed based on the research findings, in order to suggest appropriate solution to overcome FM outsourcing risk. Hence developed framework can be used to effectively manage FM outsourcing practice for FM practitioners.