Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/12861

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Now showing 1 - 11 of 11

item: Thesis-Abstract
A Framework for effective stakeholder management within the decision-making process of building energy efficiency retrofits
(2024) Fasna, MFF; Gunatilake S; Ross A
Though currently many organisations are under pressure to adopt Building Energy Efficiency Retrofits (BEER) and minimise energy consumption, still there is comparatively low level of implementation of BEER. This has been attributed to, inter alia, lack of proactive guidance for project teams to ensure that they make the right decisions to achieve the desired Energy Efficiency (EE) outcomes, involvement of numerous stakeholders from different disciplines in BEER projects, existence of complex interrelations among such stakeholders and reluctance to involve all such stakeholders within the internal decision-making process. Thus, it appears that informed decision-making and effective Stakeholder Management (SM) are essential to ensure successful implementation of BEER. Hence, this study was aimed at developing a SM framework to ensure effective SM throughout the decision-making process of BEER. A mixed method design following the “sequential exploratory” research design was adopted to achieve the research aim. Four Sri Lanka National Energy Efficiency Award (SLNEEA) winning hotel retrofit projects were selected from the Western province of the country, representing shallow and medium retrofit projects led by in-house teams and ESCO. Structured and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the stakeholders involved in the selected BEER projects. The collected qualitative data were analysed using the computer-based thematic and content analysis while the quantitative data were analysed using Social Network Analysis (SNA) and mathematical equations. This research identified the decision-making processes followed in in-house led and Energy Service Company (ESCO) led BEER projects. Findings further revealed, 24 stakeholders involved in the decision-making process along with their functions. 7 roles reflective of the nature of their involvement in the BEER project (i.e. decision-maker, performer, monitor/ observer, supporter, advisor, consultant, and informer) were also discovered. Moreover, SNA results also revealed 6 roles of stakeholders in different relationship networks of BEER (i.e. recipient, disseminator, peripheral actor, isolate, gatekeeper/broker, and focal actor). The “Facilities Manager” (FM) was identified as the “key player” with the highest level of influence and interest in in-house led projects. On the other hand, in ESCO led BEER projects, both the “ESCO” and “FM” were revealed to be the “key players”. Findings also revealed 20 CSFs and 62 strategies to ensure effective SM during different stages of BEER projects. These strategies include 8 strategies to effectively manage different stakeholder interests, 42 strategies to effectively deal with the identified CSFs for the effective SM, 9 suitable engagement approaches for managing stakeholders with different characteristics, and 3 strategies to improve stakeholder relationships. This study is novel in offering a framework that could help in ensuring effective SM within the decision-making process of BEER. The proposed SM framework consists of four main sections, addressing the decision-making process of BEER, stakeholder involvement, SM process, and CSFs for effective SM. It is believed that the outcomes of this study will serve as a roadmap for industry practitioners in implementing BEER projects whilst effectively managing the stakeholders, which could in turn enhance the level of adoption of BEER in the long run. Key words: Building Energy Efficiency Retrofits (BEER), Decision-making process, Hotel Sector, Social Network Analysis (SNA), Stakeholder Management (SM)
item: Thesis-Abstract
A Novel framework to assess the level of energy culture maturity : the case of textile and apparel industrial organisations
(2022) Soorige SDA; De Silva L; Kulatunga U; Karunasena G; Mahmood N
Global progress of energy-related improvements is considerably behind the curve dueto the slow progress of existing initiatives. Hence, there is a pressing need foralternative approaches. Emerging energy culture research area has been identified as apromising approach to look at the lower progress of energy-related improvements. However, energy culture maturity frameworks have not been established yet despitethe ability for performance improvement proved by other culture maturity frameworks, like safety culture maturity. Hence, this study aimed to develop a mechanism to assesthe level of energy culture maturity focused on the textile and apparel industriaorganisations in Sri Lanka, which is the major energy-consuming industry in the country with considerable energy issues. This study was conducted in two (02) phaseto develop and evaluate an energy culture maturity assessment framework. Phase developed the energy culture maturity framework using three (03) steps. Accordingly,Steps 1 and 2 developed a draft energy culture maturity framework using 10 and 15semi-structured interviews respectively. Then, Step 3 refined the draft framework using three (03) focus groups with four (04) participants each. Phase II of the studyevaluated the applicability of Phase I’s framework using three (03) case studies of large-scale textile and apparel industrial organisations in Sri Lanka. The findings of the study revealed a novel energy culture maturity assessment framework and itapplicability for assessing the energy culture maturity of large-scale textile and appareindustrial organisations in Sri Lanka. This study not only took the innovative step of developing the first energy culture maturity conceptual framework and energy culturematurity framework for textile and apparel industrial organisations but also provides arobust mechanism for policymakers and practitioners to assess the level of energyculture maturity in textile and apparel industrial organisations.
item: Thesis-Abstract
A Business model ontology for construction contractors
(2022) Abeynayake DN; Perera BAKS; Hadiwattage C
Today's hostile business environment, economic uncertainties and external shocks make construction companies vulnerable to business failures. In facing such challenges, contractors' businesses should be with informed decisions, enabling management of complicated supply chains, strategic partnerships, featured and complex project scopes, tight programmes and numerous project participants while serving clients with high expectations. A Business Model (BM) is fundamental to the success of any business, supporting high-quality business decisions. Hence, contractors must develop their business by adopting proper BMs. However, in construction industry, it is still a novel concept with relatively few ontologies to support contractors in designing their BMs. Thus, this research aimed to propose a developed and validated BM ontology for the construction context to facilitate contractors designing BMs. This research was positioned on pragmatism philosophical stance and followed abductive approach. The Research Questions (RQs) were answered through a multi-method qualitative study. Phase I data were collected through multiple case studies by interviewing two top managers from each case and analysing the websites. Case study results were used in the subsequent qualitative survey conducted among 15 construction business experts. A BM development process with five stages toward improved BM application was identified by reviewing the literature on BM evolution. The absence of stage-wise BM development in the construction industry urged following the BM development process to develop a BM ontology for contractors, enabling BM design. Construction Business Model (CBM) was defined following a systematic process under literature review, which was empirically validated for compatibility and comprehensibility, completing Stage 1 of the BM development process. During Stage 2, thirty-four elements constituting the Construction Business Model Ontology (CBMO) were identified and classified based on their relationships, roles and positions. One 'Desired Element', one 'Inherent Element', three 'Shared Elements', two 'Bridging Elements', and four' Value Pillars' with their respective 'CBM Elements' and 'CBM Sub-elements' were explored. In addition, new elements, e.g. 'Professionalism', 'Key Subcontractors', 'Construction Expertise' and 'Workmanship', were introduced concerning contractors' business. Describing parameters for each CBMO element were established at Stage 3, and CBMO was developed considering established relationships of CBMO elements at Stage 4. A step-by-step guide with guiding questions for CBMO would help contractors design their CBMs. Validation of the CBMO with two groups using a sample scenario confirmed its clarity, understanding and significance by providing a business case's big picture and common language. CBMO enables handling clients and stakeholders, using specified processes, handling risks, choosing strategies, utilising resources and promoting value-based competition in the construction industry.
item: Thesis-Abstract
An Investigation into optimising water flow of industrial symbiosis : development and application of a model
(2022) Mallawaarachchi BH; Sandanayake YG; Karunasena GI; Liu C
The concept of Industrial Symbiosis (IS) has obtained world concern as a new initiative for achieving collaborative benefits through exchange of resources between industries including water. Even though, these initiatives became prominent as successful projects in the early stages, many of them have resulted in failures in the long term without achieving the expected results due to deficiencies in IS planning. In the current process, no prior evaluation and optimisation are taking place before implementing the identified water synergies. There is therefore a need to have a standardised method to assess the optimum water flow of IS. Accordingly, the current study aimed to develop a model to assess the optimum water flow of IS. In order to achieve the aim, the research stands within the pragmatism philosophical stance. The abductive approach was applied as the appropriate research approach. Sequential exploratory research design was adopted consisting three phases: Phase I: Desk study; Phase II: Interviews with industry experts; and Phase III: Case study. Phase I - Desk study was conducted to collect and review the data from reliable published sources to identify water inputs and outputs of industrial entities. Based on the key literature reviewed, the conceptual model was developed by integrating mathematical formulae. In Phase II, sixteen interviews were conducted with industry experts in Sri Lanka to collect the data. The collected data were analysed using the code-based content analysis technique with the application of QSR International’s NVivo. 12. As key findings derived from analysis, current methods & issues of industrial water management and enablers & barriers for initiating water exchange networks in Sri Lanka were identified. Furthermore, the conceptual model and mathematical formulae were also refined to the selected context. The applicability and feasibility of the model were evaluated during Phase III. An IS network in an export processing zone (EPZ) in Sri Lanka, comprising three geographically co-located industrial entities, was selected as a suitable case study. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals within the selected case to collect the data, which were analysed using the mixed integer linear programming (MILP) approach. The assessment model was developed and tested using SageMath software. Finally, environmental, economic and social feasibility of the developed model were also determined. The developed model forms a unique foundation for assessing the optimum water flow of IS, applying in any context subject to context-specific enhancements. The novelty of the current research is its objective of reducing freshwater consumption of the IS network through maximum wastewater recovery in assessing the optimum water flow of IS. Thus, the research outcomes provide a role model for all developed and developing countries for reducing the environmental impact of industrialisation through optimum water sharing between industrial entities.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Lean enabling capacity building framework for small and medium enterprises in construction industry
(2021) Ranadewa KATO; Sandanayake YG; Siriwardena M
Lean implementation has embarked on a positive trend in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry. Lean practices ensure yielding a higher value for construction processes at a lower cost. However, countless barriers have led to a low success rate in lean implementation in construction SMEs. Therefore, all necessary capacities need to be identified and developed by construction SMEs to achieve the full benefits of lean. Although the challenges of lean implementation in construction and solutions to overcome them have been previously explored in the international arena, there is a dearth of research on lean implementation and strategies to overcome barriers in lean implementation in Sri Lankan context. While exacerbating the situation, capacity building to overcome lean implementation barriers is often overlooked in construction SMEs. Hence, this research aims to develop a lean enabling capacity building framework for construction SMEs in Sri Lanka. The critical review of literature initially developed a working definition for the term construction SMEs in Sri Lanka and established the importance of developing the ability of individual, organisational and environmental capacities to enable lean in order to optimise the value of construction SMEs. The research adopted ontological, idealist assumptions in the interpretive paradigm for the study to collect, analyse and validate data. The data collection comprised of two rounds of empirical investigations (EIR-1 and EIR-2). Adopting a case study strategy, EIR-1 included data collection from five construction SMEs selected through quota sampling. Data triangulation was achieved through 18 semi-structured interviews, three focus group interviews, observations at eleven progress review meetings and eight site visits and documentary reviews. EIR-2 included in-depth interviews with 24 experts selected through purposive sampling. Findings of EIR-1 were extended to develop a SWOT analysis and 5-Whys analysis to identify non-value adding activities (NVAA) in construction SMEs. EIR-1 further presented the current level of implementation and understanding of lean tools and techniques within construction SMEs. EIR-2 identified 66 drivers and 62 barriers for lean implementation in construction SMEs at three capacity levels. Further, 7, 5 and 4 numbers of lean enabling capacities at individual, organisational and environmental levels of construction SMEs were identified, respectively. ‗Lean knowledge dissemination‘, ‗lean learning‘, ‗start lean by doing‘ and ‗lean skills developments‘ are noteworthy individual level lean enabling strategies. All eleven organisational strategies are interconnected and inter-dependent. ‗Maintaining a lean culture‘, ‗networking‘ and ‗lean training‘ are the foremost organisational lean enabling capacity building strategies out of eleven strategies. All four environmental strategies including ‗establishing a professional institute for lean construction‘, ‗organising lean awareness programmes‘, ‗disseminating inter/intra industry lean knowledge‘ and ‗introducing national policies and legislation to support lean implementation‘ are notable lean enabling capacity building strategies. Lean enabling capacity building framework was developed by mapping the lean enabling capacity building strategies for construction SMEs. This research contributes to the body of knowledge as it uncovers individual, organisational and environmental level strategies for enabling lean through capacity building in Sri Lankan construction SMEs. The outcomes of this research study will be beneficial to construction SMEs, academics, researchers, and government institutions in developing countries sharing similar socio-economic, demographic or cultural traits to Sri Lanka.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Framework for analysis of cultural basic assumptions of public sector construction projects
Samaraweera, AUAA; Sandanayake, YG
Cultural differences cause conflicts among construction project participants, deterring success of the projects. Understanding such different cultural manifestations could help removing misunderstandings among sub-cultural groups and removing formal irrationalities. Among different cultural manifestations, basic assumptions better explain a cultural context as unconscious psychological processes in mind, which conceptualise culture as a root metaphor as opposed to culture as a variable. Knowledge on basic assumptions could help to predict the behaviours of project participants in a given situation, contributing for better negotiations, change management and conflict management among team members. Thus, this research aims to develop a methodology to determine the public sector building construction project culture in Sri Lanka, by analysing underlying basic assumptions. The literature synthesis based on construction and management literature led to define construction project culture and identify a methodology to derive basic assumptions by extending Value Orientation Theory (VOT). Positioning this research in interpretive research paradigm, descripto-explanatory case study was adopted as the research strategy. Three public sector building construction projects were selected as the cases, using theoretical sampling strategy. Construction project culture was considered as the main unit of analysis. Cases were restricted to traditional method contracts, which were commonly used in Sri Lankan public sector building construction projects. Team setting of the selected projects consisted of public sector clients, public sector consultants and private sector contractors. Nine semi-structured interviews, observation of two progress review meetings and documentation review per case were used for data triangulation. During data collection, responses for internal integration and external adaptation problems of each project were questioned and observed. Code based content analysis was used in data analysis. Patterns of underlying basic assumptions were derived to determine the basic assumptions of each dominant sub-cultural group of contractor, consultant and client pertaining to eleven cultural dimensions. More insight into the construction project culture could be reached through the analysis of basic assumptions in integration (shared view of basic assumptions), differentiation (basic assumptions shared only in sub-cultures) and fragmentation (ambiguities in basic assumptions) perspectives. A guide to determine basic assumptions of public sector building construction projects in Sri Lanka was designed by mapping the identified basic assumptions with ten key features of external cultural setting. This research mainly contributed to the existing knowledge domain of construction project culture. It demonstrated how VOT could be used to extract basic assumptions to understand construction project culture. Research findings highlighted the possible conflicting and consistent/compatible basic assumptions among client, contractor and consultant, which could bring in negative and positive implications to project. The guide designed could be effectively used for project decision making during change initiatives, conflicting situations and negotiation processes. Further research of this study suggested a longitudinal study along the construction project life cycle, to understand how basic assumptions emerged from new learnings and transformation of culture happened to understand the dynamism of culture.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Merging academic research and industry development requirements for an innovative construction management practice
Hadiwattege, C; Sandanayake, Y; Senaratne, S; Fernando, N
This study advances the knowledge in the field of research based innovations, in terms of prerequisites, specific to construction management context. Previously, the enhanced role of academic research in realising innovations through various reciprocals among universities, regulatory bodies, and industries was presented via Triple Helix Model (THM). Successively, the model has been explored to a great extent concerning many economic sectors. In parallel, developing knowledge based construction economies has become a mainstream theory in response to the lack of research activities within the construction organisations. Consequently, a paradigm-shift in the field of built environment research has been called over the last three decades. Yet, construction management indicates weak signs of research-based innovative development, confirming non-presence of the critical requirements of THM operation. However, no study so far has investigated on such requirements, creating a knowledge gap in explaining the inability of academic research fostering construction management innovations. Hence, this research aimed to investigate the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) of merging academic research with industry development requirements to cultivate an innovative construction management practice. Accordingly, a compressive literature review uncovered theoretical explanations on research problem, forming the conceptual framework for the study. Refining the framework, a field study was conducted, combining inductive and deductive approaches informed by a pragmatist philosophical stance. Research objectives posed, four (04) Research Questions (RQs) with explanatory and exploratory purposes, and therefore, were answered through a mixed method. The perspectives of academia and construction industry of Sri Lanka were initially obtained through surveys. Academic census comprised 49 units and industry survey obtained the views of organisations and practitioners separately, with a 510 unit stratified sample. The findings of the surveys were inductively explored in front of critical cases from industry, and academia through case studies and expert opinions. Quantitative data were analysed statistically, whilst content analysis was performed with qualitative data. The findings were validated externally through opinions of three (03) high-profile experts, each engaged in all three (03) disciplines, academic, industry, and industry regulation. While each RQ were answered in detail, overall, the findings confirmed the significance of academic research in cultivating an innovative management practice. Yet, the study revealed poor knowledge dissemination and utilisation in the context. Due to poor industry orientation of academic research, and construction industry operating as a Red Ocean, with inherited characteristics of price based competition, leads to a lack of research collaborations. In bridging the gap, the ultimately developed Model of CSFs for Research Driven Innovations (MRI) for construction management' reveals the CSFs of creating knowledge, consensus, and innovation spaces, with reference to actionable stakeholders. MRI defines the role of academia, regulatory bodies, and construction industry as novelty producers, legislative controllers, and wealth generators, respectively. The paired interactions among the three (03) contenders generate the knowledge infrastructure and political economy for the creation of the consensus space. The consensus space urges establishment of a Knowledge Brokering Hub (KBH) to administer strategic research partnerships between the academia and the industry. Therefore, given that, the knowledge space and consensus spaces are created, an academic research righteously initiated inside the innovation space, executed properly, and disseminated strategically, has the potential to foster innovations in construction management.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Sustainable use of water in construction projects : the case of Sri Lanka
Waidyasekara, KGAS; De Silva, ML; Rameezdeen, R
One of the major constraints for sustainable development is the limited quantity of freshwater available. However in construction projects, water is one of the poorly acknowledged resources as far as its efficiency and conservation are concerned. The waste and the misuse of water in construction sites have been identified as critical problems, although there is a high potential for saving water during the construction stage by adopting various water efficiency measures. Nevertheless, this aspect has not been explored sufficiently in current body of knowledge as per exiting literature. This induced the need for the research on sustainable use of water in construction. Therefore, the aim of this research was to develop a framework for improving sustainable water use practices in construction projects, from a Sri Lankan perspective. Within a pragmatic philosophical view, a triangulation based mixed method approach was adopted for data collection and analysis. Four (04) case studies were carried out into building construction projects located in Colombo to explore the efficient water use practices that are being adopted. Concurrently, a questionnaire survey was administered among experienced construction professionals to identify important measures which can ensure efficient water use. One of the key findings that emerged from the study was that water efficiency practices are strongly influenced by conditions prevailing within the operational environment of a project. However, some measures for improvement that go beyond on-site project level which have industry-wide support and intervention at policy level are required for these measures to be successful. This study revealed and clearly favoured ‘soft’ measures such as changes in the behaviour of workers as opposed to ‘hard’ measures which were primarily technology-based, for achieving water efficiency. The cost of water, sources of water, and the attitudes and behaviour of staff and workers were identified as the most relevant drivers that influence efficient water use in construction sites. The experience and commitments of the parties are also identified as an influential factor for the efficient use of water. The main barrier for achieving water efficiency was the low priority assigned to water management by the top managements of the relevant organisations due to their heavy engagements with other managerial functions. The research findings introduced three new dimensions namely, Regulation, Responsibility, and Reward that could extend the existing 6R water hierarchy in a more effective manner. This led to the introduction of a novel 3R.6R extended water hierarchy model that can be applied to achieve the efficient use of water in the construction industry. Among on-site construction activities, ‘site cabins and sanitation’ taken together was identified as consuming the highest volume of water and also as an activity that causes water wastage. It was revealed that indirect construction activities approximately consume more than two thirds of the amount of water used in a site. As a result, water wastage has become rampant among these indirect construction activities although in contrast it is minimal in direct construction activities. Therefore, the efficient use of water could be improved further by implementing the ‘soft’ measures in this study rather than implementing technology oriented ‘hard’ measures. Based on the results of the study, a framework has been proposed which provides the best practice guidelines on implementing sustainable water use during the construction stage of a project.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Principles of natural justice in arbitration
(2014-08-08) Ranasinghe, A; Weddikkara C
The construction industry process is a challenge to all participants of the industry. In the event of constructing a building, the architect takes up the challenge in conceptualizing the design to satisfy the needs of the employer, the structural engineer designs it in a safe manner using suitable materials by optimizing the cost, the quantity surveyor prepares an accurate estimate for a unique structure matching suitable specifications, the contractor takes the risk of bidding for the job and building to all other constraints in order to obtain a profit. Therefore in every process of construction a professional is involved with a certain responsibility sharing risks, agreeing on a set time, achieving a quality product to cost constrains. In this environment conflicting motives, intricate relationships, emotions, interactions, various reasoning etc. stay at the backdrop of actions, reactions and decisions taken by the parties. Inevitably differences occur resulting in conflicts leading to disputes and the parties invoke relief under dispute resolution clauses particularly arbitration according to the Arbitration Act No 1 1 of 1995. The researcher is of the view that the existence of natural justice in arbitration process would deliver satisfactory dispute resolution. The issue for the researcher is to gain an understanding of natural justice variables affecting the delivery of a satisfactory dispute resolution procedure. The most condensed definition of Natural Justice is "On just means to reach just ends" as defined by an eminent justice, VR Krishna Iyer. Therefore the research is aimed at investigating construction disputes to the satisfaction of the parties in terms of time expenditure, procedure and components of natural justice viz., various forms of bias, such as right for representation, right to be heard, right to receive adequate notice etc and thereby to derive a new knowledge. A survey was carried out on a sample of stakeholders in Sri Lanka and the survey data was analyzed using statistical principles. Statistical data was supported by a semi structured questionnaire and case analysis wherever appropriate and feasible using the triangulation method. It was found that arbitrations is the favored dispute resolution method conforming to the requirements of natural justice yet was not favored by disputants in terms of time and expenditure It has also been concluded in the research that arbitration is a better way of resolving construction disputes and the procedure adopted conforms to the requirements of natural justice and that natural justice has a better application in arbitration than in litigation. This type of research is still a new phenomenon within the Sri Lanka dispute resolution arena. The contribution of this work is to fill the gap in furthering construction dispute procedure for speedy and cost effective delivery of resolution much needed for dispute resolution in the construction industry.
item: Thesis-Abstract
A Framework to integrate sustainability into the public procurement process in the Sri Lankan construction industry
(2023) Gunawardhana KAP; Sandanayake YG; Karunasena GI; Jayawickrama TS
A well-designed, effective, and transparent Public Procurement Process (PP Process) in the construction industry is an integral part of achieving sustainability in developing countries, where the contribution of the PP Process to the construction industry accounts for 30% of the GDP. As per the Department of Census and Statistics, the value of the civil works contracts in Sri Lanka in 2019 was USD 4.9 billion. Hence, a 1% efficiency in the construction industry saves more than USD 49 million per year. However, the current PP Processes in the construction industry in developing countries have lagging features in achieving sustainable development objectives due to many problems. Developing countries lack continued national strategies and sustainability focus in their PP Process in the construction industry compared to developed countries. This is identified as a main problem, in addition to the outdated knowledge and technology used by the contract parties and officers in the procuring entity. The development partners requested the borrowers to strengthen the PP Process with approaches to integrate sustainability into the PP Process to overcome the deficiencies of the process. Hence, the study formulated the key research question, “How to integrate sustainability into the Public Procurement Process in the Sri Lankan construction industry?” The aim of addressing this research problem was to develop a framework to integrate sustainability into the PP Process in the Sri Lankan construction industry, with five objectives. A comprehensive literature review, a desk study consisting of four internationally accepted guidelines and review reports, a preliminary study through interviews with 14 experts, a main investigation via interviews with 35 respondents, and an expert validation forum with five industry experts were conducted to develop, evaluate, and validate the proposed framework to integrate sustainability into the PP Process. This research selected a pragmatic stance. Accordingly, qualitative data were analysed using manual content analysis, and quantitative data were analysed using the arithmetic mean and presented in the X-Matrix Diagram using a colour code. The research focused only on integrating sustainability into the public procurement process but not the sustainability of the end product in the construction industry. The desk study and the preliminary study verified the applicability of five key stages: (a) preparation, (b) design, (c) pre-construction, (d) construction, and (e) use, and related 39 activities, ten key problems and 22 key root causes, and 15 sustainability factors to the PP Process in the Sri Lankan construction industry. The findings confirmed the high impact of the 22 key root causes on the ten key problems and the high impact of the identified problems on the 39 activities of the PP Process. The root cause, ‘Negligence, errors, and technical deficiencies’ has the highest arithmetic mean value for eight problems out of ten. All ten problems highly impacted the activities in the latter part of the Preparation Stage and almost all activities in the Design and Pre- Construction Stages. The 22 root causes were highly impacted by 80% of the key sustainability factors, and 20% of the sustainability factors have a ‘medium impact’ on the root causes. Finally, the research developed a framework by integrating sustainability factors into the PP Process in the construction industry in Sri Lanka. The study contributed to the theory by identifying the sustainability factors needed to upgrade the existing PP Process in the construction industry for developing countries with similar contexts to Sri Lanka. The developed framework will support the construction industry in addressing problems at each PP Process stage by incorporating sustainability factors into the process. The Sri Lankan government could effectively use these research findings to develop a national policy, improve and update procurement guidelines and standard bidding documents, and establish indicators to monitor and evaluate the PP Process activities in the construction industry to achieve sustainable development. The findings will ultimately facilitate the development of a Sustainable Public Procurement Process (SPPP) in the construction industry
item: Thesis-Abstract
Framework of understanding for BIM adoption in a BIM infant industry : case of Sri Lanka
(2023) Jayasena, HS; Perera, BAKS; Weddikkara, C; Thurairajah N
Being a technological innovation with ability to address many of the problems in the construction industry, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has got significant attention both in academia and in practice. Proper strategizing of BIM adoption by both adopters and supporting agents is crucial for success. In this, inability to formulate structured understanding of BIM adoption decision context was found a limitation, and this study aimed to develop a framework of understanding of BIM adoption decision in a context of BIM infant industry taking Sri Lanka as a case. Affordances concept was utilized to conceptualize wide knowledge in BIM adoption into one framework. Introduced in ecological psychology, affordances are the potential uses or actions that an object or environment offers to a user. It is a versatile concept that could effectively represent not only what an adopter perceives and expects from BIM implementation, but also, what the adopter in fact can achieve from it. With the assertion that there is a generalizable underlying framework of BIM adoption decision that can be observed through socially constructed experience it caused, the study took a Retroductive Approach to theory with Critical Realism research philosophy. Data was collected through semi-structures interviews with nine participants purposively selected to maximize the breadth and depth of data. After each interview, an iterative inductive and deductive data analysis process was followed by developing thick narratives and qualitatively validating the developing framework with data thus far. Findings present the Affordance-led Framework of Understanding that can effectively capture the BIM adoption decision context in a BIM infant industry and offer a deeper contextualized view of BIM adoption decision that was absent in current innovation studies. Study findings contribute pertinent affordances as a new concept for which an equivalent concept or an explanation was not found either in behavioural or innovation adoption theories. While the framework supports the strategizing of BIM adoption, it has shown potential use in many other contexts even outside of construction. Keywords: Building Information Modelling, BIM, BIM Infant Industry, innovation, adoption

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