WCS - 2012

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/16962

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item: Conference-Full-text
Developing sustainable relationships through public private people partnership (4p) projects
(2012-06) Zou, W; Zhang, J; Kumaraswamy, M; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Public Private Partnership (PPP) are sometimes used to procure public infrastructure, if deemed useful in mobilising private finance and expertise for generating innovations and enhanced ‘value’. However, when delivering desired ‘value’ to specific end-users, we should not neglect ‘overall value’ for the sustainable development of the parent community/society. To address such holistic issues in suitable broader-based projects, wider-ranging ‘Public Private People Partnership’ (4P) arrangements are proposed to invite and integrate contributions from societal stakeholders through relevant bodies, e.g. social enterprises, NGOs, academia and professional institutions. Selecting and integrating such stakeholders in a properly structured 4P procurement and operational framework can help formulate more widely acceptable and sustainable designs and mobilise more resources for procurement, construction, maintenance and operation of built assets. This will also help to address grass roots aspirations and concerns earlier, rather than try to resolve conflicts later. However, a major barrier to involving more stakeholders in already complex projects arises in managing their inputs, and relationships, while optimising outputs. Based on literature review and structured interviews, this paper presents pros and cons of using 4P in selected scenarios such as post-disaster reconstruction. Initial findings confirm that a 4P approach requires superior relationship management. This paper also draws on another study that highlighted the often neglected importance of relationship management in ‘traditional’ PPP projects. Combining these findings, a case is made for improving relationship management by mobilising the additional P (‘people’) to appropriate extents in selected PPP projects, so as to identify, prioritise and harmonise diverse stakeholder objectives and target optimal ‘overall value’ with sustainable relationships aimed at common goals.
item: Conference-Full-text
Conceptual framework of decision support model for the selection of structural frame material to achieve sustainability and constructability in singapore
(2012-06) Zhong, Y; Teo, EAL; Ling, FYY; Ofori, G; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
The construction industry plays a significant role not only in economic growth, but also in environmental impacts. As the global recognition on sustainable development, the construction industry is now highly challenged from high material consumption, energy consumption, CO2 emission, and social problems. In addition, Singapore government has launched buildability appraisal system and productivity enhancement scheme to encourage construction industry improve productivity. Under the pressure of reducing environmental impacts and increasing productivity, economic goal is not the only factor that should be considered when doing decision making. There is a clear need for a link between economic performance, environmental performance and productivity performance. Sustainability philosophy and constructability philosophy are useful when establishing such a link. However, little has been done on the connection between constructability principles and sustainable development. This paper presents a holistic framework to show the factors that affect the decision making on selecting structural materials. Based on the framework, a decision support model is established using Multiattribute value technique. The weights of 1st level factors and 2nd level attributes have been computed using AHP method and 1-5 likert scale method. The rating method is offered as well.
item: Conference-Full-text
Implementing enterprise risk management in a chinese construction firm based in singapore
(2012-06) Xianbo, Z; Bon-Gang, H; Pheng, LS; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Despite the booming domestic construction market, an increasing number of Chinese Construction Firms (CCFs) have ventured overseas for market expansion, and thus are simultaneously exposed to higher business risks. Hence, they require not only project risk management (PRM) but also a more holistic and integrated approach to managing risks on an enterprise basis, which is known as enterprise risk management (ERM). The objective of this study is to examine ERM implementation in CCFs based in Singapore. As part of a larger research project, this current study adopts a case study approach in the first instance to understand the ERM implementation of a relatively large CCF based in Singapore. The information is collected through in-depth interviews with the senior management of the firm and document review. The empirical findings suggest that the firm has initiated an ERM program and established clear ERM ownership, a regular risk communication mechanism, and a riskaware culture. However, the firm does not have a risk management information system, which may create inefficiency and hinder the involvement of staff at a lower level of the firm. The findings of this study provide valuable information about current ERM implementation status for practitioners and researchers.
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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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Risks and risk assessment methods in industrial maintenance in Sri Lanka
(2012-06) Wijeratne, WMPU; Parera, BAKS; De Silva, ML; Wijeratne, W.M.P.U., Parera, B.A.K.S. & De Silva, M.L. (2012). Risks and risk assessment methods in industrial maintenance in Sri Lanka. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 407-416). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Studies on industrial maintenance operations worldwide have identified several maintenance specific risks such as working at heights, the pressure of time, etc. However, there is a dearth of published research on risks and risk assessment methods in industrial maintenance in the case of Sri Lanka. This study therefore aims at identifying the risks and risk assessment methods in industrial maintenance in Sri Lanka. The main objectives of the study were to identify the occupational risks and safety issues in maintenance work and the risk assessment methods in place in the Sri Lankan context. This was undertaken through a study of three manufacturing organisations which are involved in producing fastmoving consumer products. According to the findings, the risks which affect maintenance work can be categorised as organisational risks, unsafe acts and local workplace risks. The findings indicate that the most typical risks associated with maintenance are cuts, slips and falls, with severe or fatal injuries the result of worker disregard for standard operating procedures and/or failure to use the protective equipment provided. It was also found that check lists, brainstorming, and decomposition techniques are the preferred methods in maintenance for risk identification while a risk-rating matrix is used for risk analysis. The findings of the study highlight the safety risks entailed in the maintenance operations of manufacturing organisations and the risk assessment tools used in identifying the risks. The findings of the research will be useful for those in industrial maintenance operations for the purpose of managing risks effectively by designing work environments that are risk-fee and for educating workers on the importance of paying due attention to risks and the need to follow instructions that are in place on safety procedures in the workplace.
item: Conference-Full-text
Study on sick building syndrome in office environment
(2012-06) Wijerathne, HAN; Karunasena, GI; Mallawaarachchi, BH; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Prevalence of harmful natural and artificial substances combined with poorly ventilated interiors can lead to various building related health problems among those who spend long periods indoors. A group of symptoms of unclear etiology divided into mucous membrane symptoms related to eyes, nose, throat, dry skin, together with general symptoms of headache and lethargy due to poor indoor air quality is defined as Sick Building Syndrome. Literature revealed many evidence of indoor air quality and other symptoms that affect to staff in office buildings in Sri Lanka. Thus purpose of this study is to appraise the impact of sick building syndrome on building occupants in an office environment. Case study was selected as the research approach. Semi structured interviews were conducted with responsible parties on indoor air quality and occupants of three selected office buildings. Case studies revealed that uncomfortable indoor environment and unsystematic maintenance of existing indoor air caused prevalence of symptoms related to sick building syndrome among building occupants, such as lethargy and eye irritation. Results showed that occupants in three office buildings bore many common symptoms while working in same premises in same timing pattern. Further, findings showed that three office buildings that are already affected with sick building attributes have in fact complied with existing Indoor Environment Quality standards. This study discusses approaches to identify sick building syndrome in working environments and standards to mitigate unhealthy conditions in buildings. This study enhances the comprehension on sick building syndrome and attributes that can be applied to evaluate impact of poor indoor environment quality on sick building syndrome.
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Importance of design phase stakeholder management for successfully achieving objectives of building projects: a Sri Lankan perspective
(2012-06) Weerakkody, YDC; Thoradeniya, WBM; Weerakkody, Y.D.C., & Thoradeniya, W.B.M. (2012). Importance of design phase stakeholder management for successfully achieving objectives of building projects: a Sri Lankan perspective. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 386-395). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Contribution of the building design process for achieving the project objectives with a higher degree of success has been highlighted in several researches worldwide. Conventionally, success of a building project is judged in terms of, completion within the scheduled time, completion within the budget, and fully complying to the clients’ satisfaction with minimum subsequent modifications and reworks. In achieving these, design phase of a building project alone offers the greatest scope. Irrespective of this awareness, instances are not rare to find, where clients are facing various difficulties in completing/ operating their buildings. Research and many case studies from the industry have provided evidence for cost overruns, delay in completion, mismatch between the delivered product and the clients’ expectations, and high cost and time expenditure on variations and modifications in building projects. The aim of this paper is to present the outcomes of a research, which identified the importance of acquiring the timely contribution of design phase stakeholders and effective coordination amongst them, throughout the design phase for better achievement of the project objectives. The discussion is based on findings of a comprehensive questionnaire survey carried out in Sri Lanka on a sample of design phase stakeholders who holds hands-on-experience in building trade. Based on findings recommendations are made to encourage higher investment on stakeholder management during the design phase.
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Risk management in electrical distribution system in Sri Lankan hotel industry
(2012-06) Wanigasinghe, PC; Parera, BAKS; Wijeratne, WMPU; Wanigasinghe, P.C., Parera, B.A.K.S., & Wijeratne, W.M.P.U. (2012). Risk management in electrical distribution system in Sri Lankan hotel industry. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 375-385). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
An uninterrupted service throughout the facility is a must for building services in the hotel industry because a large part of guest satisfaction with the hotel depends on building services. However, building services face many different types of failures due to various risk factors. Therefore, a risk management framework is an essential part of the building services of a hotel. In case of hotel buildings, the literature suggests electrical power distribution system (EPDS) to be the key building service which governs all other building services and failure in the EPDS can happen due to maintenance risks, operational risks, assets specific risks and human errors. This research was commenced through a study of three leading five star hotels in Sri Lanka. Based on the research findings, a risk management framework was developed to address risks in EPDS of a hotel facility. The risk management framework was developed based on these findings reveals effective practices that could be used to reduce failure in EPDS. The research also pointed that maintenance risk, unplanned operational risk, asset-specific risk and human errors as the main internal risk factors that lead to failures in EPDS. On the other hand, weather conditions was identified as the uncontrollable external risk factors in the hotel industry, a preventive and a predictive maintenance schedule, planned operations, training and development, and proper asset selection criteria were identified as the main risk management strategies used in the hotel industry. The paper proposed a risk management framework to overcome the identified risks in EPDS in hotel industry which consist of failure mode effect analysis, power monitoring panel and a risk mitigation plan to maintain continuous operations in the EPDS. The findings and recommendations of the study will be useful to those responsible for EPDS operations in the hotel industry for the purpose of reducing services failures.
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Impact of green concept on business objectives of an organisation
(2012-06) Waidyasekara, KGAS; Sandamali, RLN; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Today, the world is moving towards green concepts which focus on increasing efficiency of resources while reducing impact on human health, productivity and environment. As a result, many companies are incorporating the green practices into their daily operations. Whereas, the rest of the world moves towards sustainable development, a very few number of green buildings are functioning in Sri Lanka. Within this emerging culture, this research has addressed, how green building concept influences in achieving the business objectives of an organisation with many aspects than conventional buildings. The research method used for this study was qualitative. Case studies were conducted to ascertain the research aim and objectives. Two green buildings were selected from apparel industries. Semistructured interviews were conducted among a selected experts panel and mainly content analysis was used to analyse data. The results discussed compatibility of the green concept for Sri Lankan organisations and deliberated how the green process achieves the cooperative objectives of organisation and sub-objectives of individual departments. Moreover, it was found that there is a positive impact of green building concept to achieve business objectives of an organisation and discussed the benefits gained in terms of financial, social, environmental and technical aspects.
item: Conference-Full-text
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.
item: Conference-Full-text
A preliminary literature review into lean construction implementation
(2012-06) Thilakarathna, N; Senaratne, S; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Although all activities expend cost and consume time, Lean Principles state that only conversion activities add value and these should be made more efficient, whereas non value adding flow activities should be reduced or eliminated. Research into these lean principles in construction has found that considerable waste lies in flow processes of construction. By eliminating waste activities, processes can become ‘lean’ which provide ‘more with less’ resources. These flow wastes are recognised as a major weakness, which hinder performance and efficiency in the Construction Industry. Previous studies conclude that the construction industry workforce is ignorant of these flow activities that create waste and hinder construction performance. However, the industry lacks an implementation framework to implement lean principles into the construction processes. This research aims to develop such an implementation framework through action research study for Sri Lankan construction contractors and achieve long-term sustainable benefits by becoming lean. The research is in its initial stage and the aim of this paper was to explore the literature on how LC is implemented in different contexts in construction industries in the world. The findings reveal several benefits when applying lean principles in construction such as reduce sharing of non-value adding activities increase the output value through systematic construction of customer requirement and reduce process variability. The paper finally identifies the few barriers for implementing lean principles and provides some guidelines on how to overcome the identified barriers for effective implementation of lean principles.
item: Conference-Full-text
Lean construction in large Chinese construction firms: a SWOT analysis
(2012-06) Shang, G; Pheng, LS; Bon-Gang, H; Ofori, G; Shang, G., Pheng, L.S., Bon-Gang, H., Ofori, G. (2012). Lean construction in large chinese construction firms: a SWOT analysis. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 334-344). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
In recent years, there has been a growing trend in applying lean principles outside of manufacturing. In the construction context, lean construction has become an established theme since the early 1990s. However, very limited studies are reported about its implementation in Chinese construction industry. This study undertakes a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of large Chinese construction firms, evaluating their potential strengths, perceived weaknesses as well as external opportunities and threats associated with the application of lean construction. This study is qualitative in nature. Using interview questions, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 27 Chinese building professionals from large construction firms in China. It highlights several constraints, ranging from lack of understanding of lean construction; to hierarchical organisational structures that discourage empowerment, use of low skilled workers and a high tolerance for an untidy workplace, and others. The opportunities are realised through government’s push to upgrade firms’ standards; role of jianli, collaboration with foreign construction firms, and promotion of prefabrication. Furthermore, intense competition, highly-demanding clients, rising material prices, and others are some of the foreseen threats to the adoption of lean construction. This study concludes with some suggestions to improve lean construction implementation in China. These include the establishment of a long-term philosophy and organisational culture that would call for leaders to be more pro-active on the jobsites, to understand the work flow, and to encourage foremen to be committed in work plans. It is also important to introduce, educate and reinforce the lean knowledge to the employees at all levels as they are the real implementers of lean construction.
item: Conference-Full-text
The economic cost of landslides in Hali-Ela divisional secretariat of Sri Lanka
(2012-06) Samaraweera, GRSRC; Rathnayaka, RML; Jagoda, DJ; Sriyani, HGD; Samaraweera, G.R.S.R.C., Rathnayaka, R.M.L., Jagoda, D.J. & Sriyani, H.G.D. (2012). The economic cost of landslides in Hali-Ela divisional secretariat of Sri Lanka. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 323-333). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Landslides which cause degradation of slopes through soil loss is one of the major climate related disasters in Sri Lanka and the highest number of landslides was recorded in Badulla district. This study attempts to identify the economic costs of landslides in Hali-Ela Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) which recorded the highest number of displaced people in recent landslides in the Badulla District. Primary data collected through a questionnaire was used for this study. Two stage cluster sampling technique was used to select 160 households in six Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions including Bogahamadiththa (20), Spreenweli (40), Panakenniya (20), Kandana (25), Bulatwatta (25) and Ketawala (30) from the 57 GNs in Hali-Ela DSD and the systematic random sampling technique was used to select households. Descriptive statistics, simple regression and chi-square test are used for the analysis. Majority of the sample are in high (46.8%) and medium risk (34%) areas of landslides. Mean distance between house and the nearest recent landslide is recorded as 478m. Landslides have both direct and indirect economic costs. Regarding direct costs, mean damage cost and mean replacement cost for last five years are recorded as Rs.115,790.91 and Rs.78,954.55 respectively showing that only half of the damage is recovering. Regarding indirect economic costs, land value has been deteriorating due to landslides as found by the positive relationship between the land value and the distance to the nearest landslide using hedonic pricing approach. The uncertainty created by the risk of landslide reverses the overall development of the household (62%) including delay of housing construction (62%), agricultural activities (21.6%), road construction (9.3%) and getting electricity (5.2%).
item: Conference-Full-text
Understanding project culture in construction: a literature synthesis
(2012-06) Samaraweera, AUAA; Senaratne, S; Samaraweera, A.U.A.A., & Senaratne, S. (2012). Understanding project culture in construction: a literature synthesis. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 314-322). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S
Construction industry being a project-based industry, understanding nature of project culture is of paramount importance. Culture at project level seems less researched; possibly due to understanding of project culture seems a tedious task since it is being shaped through different levels of cultures; national, industrial, organisational, professional and many other factors situational to a given project team. However, recent past shows some studies attempting to elaborate project culture in construction context. Some researchers tend to identify construction project culture through theories of organisational culture. This paper attempts to understand nature of project culture in construction through these extant literatures and also reveals limitations of these studies. Further, the study identifies some unique features related to a construction project, which challenges identifying a unique culture at project level in construction. These main unique features include: the fixed duration of the project; adoption of traditional method of procurement; entrance of key members to the project from time to time and effective communication. Further research will aim to explore this aspect fully in the light of these challenges
item: Conference-Full-text
Significance of meaningful built environments in sustainable development with special reference to ayurveda-eco tourism in Sri Lanka
(2012-06) Samaratunga, M; Vithana, P; Obeyesekera, HL; Karunaratne, R; Samaratunga, M., Vithana, P., Obeyesekera, H.L., & Karunaratne, R. (2012). In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 304-313). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Scarcity and the rapid decline of earth’s natural resources is an outstanding global issue in the present context. Construction industry is highly responsible for utilising these resources at large. Therefore Eco-friendly Sustainable approach has become a key consideration and a current trend in present day Construction sector. In this arena, the words Green, Sustainable, Eco-friendly, Environmental, energy efficiency, Carbon-zero, Climate responsive and so on are interchangeable. All in all, the ultimate motive is to raise the living condition of our lives and protect the earth for today and tomorrow. In uplifting the living condition, physical aspects as well as psychological aspects often play significant roles. At present, professionals involved in construction sector are very much concerned about physical sustainability achieved through green technology and often tends to ignore psychological sustainability that could be achieved through conceptual or meaningful architectural approach. Therefore, this paper focuses on the Architects approach to sustainable development through creating meaningful built environments. This is approached by relating architectural theories such as Psychology of Sustainability, Sensual Architecture and Conceptual Architectural theories to selected case studies. The selected case studies would focus on the current development projects in Sri Lanka, related to Ayurveda-Eco Tourism.
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Preventive methods used for health and safety hazards in hotel industry in Sri Lanka
(2012-06) Rajini, PAD; Fernando, CSP; Serapperuma, SAIS; Rajini, P.A.D., Fernando, C.S.P., & Serapperuma, S.A.I.S. (2012). Preventive methods used for health and safety hazards in hotel industry in Sri Lanka. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 294-303). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Occupational safety and health is a discipline which aims at the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers. It involves the protection of workers in their employment from risks resulting factors, which are adverse to their safety and health condition. If there is a safety and health issue in an organisation, it will lead to various problems and puts the worker, their families, other people in the community, and the physical environment around the work place at a risk. Literature reveals that health and safety matter in hotel industry is a very broad and critical concept that should be taken in to consideration. However, a study which has been carried on health and safety hazards in hotel industry is hardly found in Sri Lanka. Therefore, in order to address the above gap, this research aims at identifying the health and safety hazards, causes of those hazards and the preventive measures that can be adopted to minimise these hazards in hotel industry of Sri Lanka. A three step approach; a literature survey, a preliminary study and a detailed questionnaire survey, was carried out in achieving the aim of this research. The study identified ‘Cuts and Burns’ and ‘Electrical Hazards’ as the most critical health and safety hazards in hotel industry. According to the study the most critical causes for those hazards are ‘Open Flames’ and ‘Contact with Electricity from Machines’ respectively. Further, ‘Inadequate Instructions’ and ‘Inadequate Safety Education’ could be identified as the most critical factors that affect the overall health and safety hazards in hotel industry. As the findings revealed, the usage of preventive methods to mitigate health and safety hazards in hotel industry in Sri Lanka, is at a very low level and using PPE and fire protection methods and maintaining a good housekeeping procedure are the mostly practiced preventive methods. Further, there are lot more to implement in order to minimise/eliminate health and safety hazards.
item: Conference-Full-text
The purpose of retentions: a review of the existing literature
(2012-06) Raina, P; Tookey, J; Raina, P., & Tookey, J. (2012). The purpose of retentions: a review of the existing literature. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 285-293). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Retention is a phenomenon practiced in the construction industry for well over a century. It is a contractual mechanism whereby a portion of money, due to the contractor/subcontractor is held back till the completion stage of the project. Half of it is released at the time of practical completion and the other half is released at the end of the defects liability or the maintenance period. Some countries have abolished this practice, others have tried to outlaw the practice but failed. Yet others seem to be content with the ongoing practice and find it useful, which is why it is important to understand as to why it is so. To achieve this objective it is first of all important to understand the ‘purpose of retentions’ or why are retentions used in today’s construction industry even though the industry has undergone radical changes in the past century or so. A review of the current literature suggests that retentions exist for a variety of purposes. Hence there seems to exist some form of disconnect between the actual and the intended purpose of retentions. Perhaps it is important to understand whether retentions are actually serving the purpose they are set up for. In this paper the author through an extensive literature review has identified a number of purposes of retentions. Data has been collected from 27 publications including books, journal articles, magazines, reports etc. Ten main purposes/themes have been identified from the data. A matrix has then been formed with the purposes on one axis and author/publication on the other. This has been done to find out what most authors/publications have said regarding the purpose of retentions. Having found the numbers with the help of the matrix the purposes are numbered in the order of most recurring to the least recurring. The top three purposes of retentions are found to be performance security followed by defect rectification and motivation for early or timely completion.
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Investigation of BIM adoption strategies in Indian AEC industry
(2012-06) Muthumanickam, A; Varghese, K; Mahalingam, A; Muthumanickam, A., Varghese, K., & Mahalingam, A. (2012). Investigation of BIM adoption strategies in Indian AEC industry. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 276-284). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of creating digital parametric models for life cycle data management. Use of parametric modelling tools enables in integrating the building data from various stakeholders, on a virtual platform. On large-scale building projects with numerous stakeholders, a well-drafted strategy for BIM adoption becomes essential. This can be attributed to the complexity in the information exchange process between the various stakeholders. This paper focuses on investigating the strategies for BIM adoption in the Indian Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. What are the typical BIM goals on a project? What strategies can lead to effective BIM adoption? These are questions that this paper seeks to address. Case based investigation was carried out in three commercial building projects of comparable scale. A detailed investigation of the cases was carried out through interviews with the various stakeholders and documentation of the BIM adoption process. Case data were analysed to identify the strategies commonly adopted on projects. Further analysis enabled in developing a framework for BIM adoption strategies in the Indian AEC industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
The use of alternative building materials in developing countries: addressing challenges faced by stakeholders
(2012-06) Mpakati-Gama, EC; Wamuziri, SC; Sloan, B; Mpakati-Gama, E.C. & Wamuziri, S.C. (2012). The use of alternative building materials in developing countries: addressing challenges faced by stakeholders. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 266-275). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
The rising concern on inefficient wood consumption associated with shelter development has led to policy and regulatory reforms to address such problems in most countries in recent years. The use of alternative building materials (ABMs) and technology, for example, have been proposed by decision makers as one of the ways of curbing deforestation hence promoting sustainable development. Although the use of alternative materials has enhanced housing stocks where these are appropriately employed, there are several problems faced by developers to embrace the proposed strategies more particular in developing countries. Focusing on the Sub Sahara Africa (SSA), this paper proposes strategies the decision makers would employ to promote the use of ABMs. In this paper, which is based on the extensive literature review of an ongoing academic research to find ways for promoting sustainability in developing countries, it is noted that cost of raw materials, flaw of sustainability definition as well as the lack of information related to the building sector are some of the limitations for building stakeholders to promote the use of ABMs. Therefore, the course of actions proposed is regarded as one of the possible ways for decision makers to take into consideration to improve the current situation in the building sector in SSA and beyond.
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Teamwork in facilities management
(2012-06) Manjula, NHC; Senaratne, S; Manjula, N.H.C., & Senaratne, S. (2012). Teamwork in facilities management. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 258-265). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Teamwork is essential to Facilities Management (FM) organisations due to the presence of various parties and multi-functional nature. However, there is a lack of published researches on teamwork with regards to FM. The consideration given in literature in discussing ways to adopt the concept of teamwork in FM was very insignificant. Therefore, the research question formulated was; “how the concept of teamwork can be adapted to FM in Sri Lankan Real Estate and Development sector?” The ultimate aim of the study was to develop a guide for teamwork by understanding the nature of teamwork in FM. The research question was approached through case study research method using three cases in the Real Estate and Development sector of Sri Lanka. Semi structured interviews were conducted with FM practitioners of the selected cases. The findings asserted that the ideal team concept in general management does not go with FM team. Instead, the composition of FM team required to be flexible depending on several factors, namely; task, method of performance, facility type and size. However, few key members, who were common to any FM team, were recognised in the research as well. Further, specific requirements of teamwork in FM were identified. Based on findings, a guide for teamwork in FM in Sri Lankan Real Estate and Development sector was developed. This will be useful to FM practitioners who operate in similar contexts.

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