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Copyright of Urban Studies (Sage Publications, Ltd.) is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The construction industry in many developing countries is considered the main engine for economic growth. Quantification of the resilience of the construction industry in developing economies is essential for stakeholders and decision makers. Many researchers have attempted to quantify the construction industry's resilience in the context of developed economies; however, there is lack of established measures of such quantification in developing countries. This paper proposes a framework for the composition of an index that quantifies the resilience of the construction industry in developing countries. The proposed framework is demonstrated in the context of three developing countries: Rwanda, Egypt, and Turkey. The index is composed of measures such as the construction value added to a country's gross domestic product (GDP) and employment in construction. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is utilized for weighting and aggregation of the individual variables. Studying the causal relationship between construction growth and economic development from 1971 to 2022, results show that construction growth leads to economic development in each of the three countries. Results of the proposed index values indicate that the construction industry in each of the three countries demonstrated increased resilience by sustaining both its outputs and its employment generation aspect in the two years following the coronavirus pandemic in 2019. Quantification of the construction industry's resilience in countries where the construction growth leads to the economic growth would provide a crucial insight for stakeholders and decision makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A central concern in studying organization environment relationships has been the issue of how boundaries of organizational activity are defined and altered. A specific organizational response that pertains to the issue of boundaries is subcontracting. Construction is one industry where subcontracting is used extensively. Eccles' (1981a) study shows, however, that there is great variation in the subcontracting practices of contractors. This paper reports an exploratory study on the possible determinants of the extent of subcontracting by the construction firm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction is considered as one of the highly fragmented, inefficient, and low-performing industries. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have been used to overcome such problems. However, due to a number of technical and organizational barriers, ERP implementation is very challenging. The major objective of the research reported in this paper is to explore the critical success factors (CSFs) of ERP implementation in the construction industry in developing countries. In this respect, based on an extensive literature review, 14 CSFs were identified and a questionnaire survey was conducted to analyze the role of those CSFs on the performance of ERP implementation. The data is collected from 90 construction firms from Turkey. The statistical analysis results show that top management support and commitment, clear goals and objectives, project team competence, effectiveness of the project leader, and cooperation between team members are the most significant drivers of success. Factor analysis was also employed on the data and the findings suggest three dimensions, namely (1) human factors, (2) organization, and (3) technology. Findings of the research reported in this paper are expected to help senior managers and consultants implement ERP systems in construction firms in an effective manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In both developing and industrialised countries, due to numerous time-related problems of construction projects, BIM-based time management, 4D BIM, plays an increasingly critical role within the industry. This study investigates the planning and scheduling problems, BIM application level, and BIM-based scheduling implementation by the lead construction companies in Turkey. Despite the critical importance of the planning department in construction companies, the planning and BIM integration levels have scarcely been investigated from the contractor perspective in Turkey. This paper presents the outcomes of 16 semi-structured interviews (SSI) with managers of the leading Turkish contractors selected from 100 of ENR's 2019 Top 250 International Contractors list; a list of issues are outlined. The current situation escalates problems like tendering with missing project documents, examining 2D project drawings while scheduling, fragmentation, project manager's reluctance to use and follow the project schedule, issues with updating the schedule as per construction improvements and quantities, and a lack of investment for BIM implementation. The research findings, ultimately, aim to help contractors improve their processes. Although this study's findings are obtained from interviews with lead Turkish contractors, it is not limited in terms of geographic context since the interviewed contractors work worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction sector in Turkey boomed in the period between the turn of the millennium and the onset of the global crisis. This paper studies the employment generation effects of growth of this sector, taking into account that it not only depends on domestic production factors but also on imported inputs. In order to unravel the interactions of the construction sector with the rest of the economy, structural path analysis of both labour and imported intermediate input demand generation is used based on the 2002 and 2009 WIOD data for Turkey. The findings indicate that labour linkages weakened between 2002 and 2009, while import linkages became slightly stronger. The sectors that have played key roles in this are identified, as are the linkages between these. The findings have implications for the persistent unemployment and current account deficits in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) research often engages linear approaches for embedding/implementing/diffusing new technology into existing business systems and processes. However, developments in information and communication technology (ICT) often fail to deliver their full potential for a number of reasons. This paper presents these challenges and highlights the need to embrace equifinality as part of a structured approach for improving impact diffusion. The central tenet and foci of this work rests with the optimization of AEC business agility. Given this, a multiple case study approach using three large construction organizations (in Turkey) was used to capture primary data from 30 respondents – representing viewpoints from three management levels: top management, middle management and first line management. Findings are presented in the form of a conceptual framework, the details of which highlight the constructs needed (inter alia ICT adoption/diffusion) to develop organizational: (i) responsiveness, (ii) flexibility and (iii) corporate competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to analyze and compare the performance of the construction sector in Turkey and selected European Union (EU) countries using input-output (IO) tables for the years 1998 and 2002. Design/methodology/approach – IO tables are used to analyze and compare the construction sector. First the input-output analysis and the construction sector are briefly introduced. Then, the data and methodology are specified. A set of indicators obtained from the data is used for the comparative analysis. Findings – The construction sector of the selected 13 countries is examined in terms of Gross National Product (GNP) and National Income (NI) shares; direct and total construction backward and forward linkage indicators and direct and total construction inputs from manufacturing and services reflecting the technologies used in construction. The key findings are pointed out in the conclusion. Research limitations/implications – The lack of data from Turkey relating to recent years and incompatibility of new and old data limit this study's scope to the two years. Originality/value – The concept of using IO analysis for comparing the construction sector has been around for a considerable period of time. This paper has an importance for comparing the construction sector in Turkey and some selected EU countries, being the first study in that field in Turkey, and is therefore of direct importance for the Turkish construction sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to propose a decision support tool for contractors before the bidding stage to quantify the probability of delay in construction projects in Turkey by using the relative importance index (RII) method incorporated into fuzzy logic. For this purpose, 83 delay factors were identified, categorized into 9 major groups through a detailed literature review process as well as interviews with experts from the construction industry. The relative importance of these delay factors and groups was quantified by using the relative importance index method. The ranking of the factors and groups was demonstrated according to their level of effect on delay. A delay assessment model was proposed using the fuzzy set theory by taking into account the delay factors characterized in construction projects. The assessment model was developed using a commercial software product. The proposed methodology was tested in a real case study; and the probability of the delay of the project was evaluated by means of the assessment model after the required inputs were entered into the software. The factors and groups that contribute most to the probability of delays were discussed depending on the case study results. The assessment model results were found to be satisfactory. Finally, some recommendations were made in order to minimize and control delays in construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lean construction is the term that corresponds to the reflection of the production system developed at the Toyota Corporation (automotive industry) on the construction industry. Turkish contractors constitute a large portion of the local economy and are important global actors in contracting business. Lean construction-based research and practice, as a production management-based approach for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the construction industry, are scarce among Turkish contractors. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire prepared to predict the lean conformance levels of Turkish contractors and discusses the results. The comparative strengths and weaknesses of Turkish contractors for a lean construction initiative are highlighted. The findings that are presented in this paper can be used as a starting point to disseminate the research and practice in lean construction among Turkish contractors in the future. A similar kind of research can be repeated to compare the lean conformance levels in different countries and to evaluate the lean construction programs at different companies after the introduction of lean construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction delays are common in construction industry and create major concerns for project performance. Construction delays are caused by many factors. The aim of this paper is to identify delay factors on construction projects and analyze these factors with the relative importance index method. For this purpose, 83 different delay factors were identified, categorized into nine major groups, and visualized by the Ishikawa (fishbone) diagram through detailed literature review and interviews with experts from the construction industry. The relative importances of these delay factors were quantified by the relative importance index method. The ranking of the factors and groups were demonstrated according to their importance level on delay. According to the case study results, the factors and groups contributing the most to delays (those needing attention) were discussed, and some recommendations were made to minimize and control delays in construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heuristic method is one of the methods used for the scheduling of resource-constrained projects. This method is commonly used in programming the projects with high number of activities and resources such as construction investments. This paper investigates the effectiveness of three heuristic method priority rules applied in the resource scheduling of ten Turkish housing estate projects which were scheduled according to three preselected priority rules [maximum remaining path length (MRPL), latest finish time (LFT), and minimum slack time (MNSLCK)] in resource-constrained conditions. The performance of each priority rule was evaluated in relation to the duration of the project. The results revealed that MRPL priority reduced the project duration to minimum in six projects, whereas LFT priority yielded the best duration results in three projects and MNSLCK priority in only one project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The main stimulus of this study is to examine the cultural profile of construction organizations within the context of Turkish construction industry. Design/methodology/approach - This study is a part of a cross-cultural research, initiated by CIB W112 (Working Commission W112 of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction), concurrently ongoing in 15 different countries. Data were collected from 107 contracting and 27 architectural firms, by means of a questionnaire based on OCAI (Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument), a well-known and widely used measurement tool developed by Cameron and Quinn (1999). Findings - The findings show that the Turkish construction industry has been dominated by firms with a mixture of clan and hierarchy cultures. In addition, the analysis reported here indicates cultural differences at organizational level in terms of firm type, size, and age. Originality/value - This paper contributes to the understanding of organizational culture in the construction industry by providing empirical evidence from the Turkish construction industry. As future research direction, it highlights the need of a cross-cultural comparison among different countries, and an investigation of the effects of cultural profiles of the organizational members on organizational culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether extensively planned or not, all companies have a strategic perspective which is analogous to the personality of an individual. However, a clear strategic perspective is a must to achieve strategic integration that further leads to competitive advantage. In order to define a strategic perspective, four determinants should be put together: objectives, strategies; competencies; and competitive rules. There are two way linkages among objectives, strategies, and competencies that are affected from competitive forces acting on the market and these interrelations change with respect to company characteristics like size, age, major client, etc. The objective of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for the analysis of a strategic perspective and present results of a questionnaire carried out to explore the strategic perspectives of Turkish contractors. Objectives, strategies, and competencies of Turkish contractors are analyzed together with competitive rules prevailing in the Turkish construction industry. The determinants of strategic perspective can further be used as a guide for setting a strategic agenda for construction companies with different characteristics and operating in different submarkets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental stages of construction technologies in Turkey followed various methods and showed differences in practice up to 20th century when the first examples of earlyperiod reinforced concrete structures was created. Following the late 18th century, when traditional construction techniques were applied to new masses and building types, the use of modern bricks in vertical carrier elements together with the means of the 19th century was followed by an increase in masonry construction types of building structures. The paper emphasizes in the effects of traditional construction techniques applied with brick, steel, concrete materials on construction technology in Turkey. Traditional construction techniques are classified and detailed evaluations are made on the design principles of the buildings with historical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the four input-output tables compiled in Turkey to date, the aim of this paper is to examine the construction sector's role in the Turkish economy and analyse its relationships with the other sectors of the national economy. Analysis results show that the share of construction in Gross National Product (GNP) and National Income (NI) tend to increase whereas the GNP share of manufacturing is relatively stable and that of services tend to increase after an abrupt decrease in 1985; backward linkage indicators and output multipliers, as well as forward linkage indicators and input multipliers of construction industry are stable; and finally, direct and total construction inputs from manufacturing show relative stability and those from services tend to increase in recent years. These findings point out the similarities between the Turkish construction industry and some advanced industrial countries (AICs) like Japan and Italy showing signs of growing `maturity' of the Turkish economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public private partnerships (PPPs) have become increasingly common as a result of states' shifting roles in infrastructure services from service providers and operators to policymakers and regulators. PPPs have been established as a prominent technique of public service procurement in both developed and developing countries. PPPs give the parties the opportunity to split the costs and risks of providing a public service or building a public infrastructure. Successful project management is crucial, especially in light of PPP projects' size and complexity. This study investigates the critical success factors (CSFs) of PPP investments in developing countries. In this regard, 23 CSFs were selected based on a thorough literature review, and a questionnaire survey was run to examine the impact of those factors on PPP performance. The information is gathered from 82 different companies in Türkiye that represent both the public and private sectors. The statistical analysis results show that favorable legal framework, detailed and clear project identification, and extensive cost-benefit assessment are the most significant drivers of success. Additionally, factor analysis is used on the data to investigate and identify underlying correlations between the factors, as well as to categorize them into fewer, more focused, and more thorough factors. The results of factor analysis suggest five dimensions; namely project finance, project management, operational factors, procurement, and organizational factors. The study's findings are anticipated to benefit both the public sector in its focus on legal concerns to permit better operation and the contractors in its examination of their capacity to manage big projects more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A civil engineer who lacks motivation, may perform poorly in making decisions, which may in turn negatively affect the performance of a construction project. This study extends knowledge about individual-level motivation among civil engineers and the relationship between the motivation of civil engineers and their demographics (i.e., age, marital status, education, work experience, type of company, project value). A questionnaire survey was administered to Turkish civil engineers in order to collect data on their personal demographics and their perceptions of the importance of different motivators. The case of Turkey is investigated because a large number of Turkish contractors are major players in international markets. This paper argues that there are statistically significant differences in the perception of some motivators by civil engineers based on their demographics and that different individuals need to be motivated by different motivators. The study demonstrates the existence of a relationship between demographics and motivators, an area that is mostly ignored in the motivation literature. Higher executives in the construction industry, who understand this relationship, may be able to motivate their engineers individually rather than using blanket motivators for all engineers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability has become a major concern for the construction industry. There has been a growing emphasis on green buildings in the last decade. Renovation is critical in terms of improving the energy efficiency of the building stock. In this paper, the green building certification process of existing buildings in developing countries is investigated. A qualitative case study methodology has been employed to gain a better understanding of the critical success factors of the greening and certification process. In this respect, six leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED)-certified projects in Turkey are examined. A framework is used to analyze the components of this process, including the drivers, resources, green implementations, barriers, enablers, benefits, and impacts. Unavailability of approved materials, poor design of the buildings, and difficulties with the documentation process have been major barriers. The barriers have been overcome through the commitment of the owners, top management support, and collaborative working among project parties. The findings of this study are expected to guide construction professionals in certifying existing buildings in an effective manner. Similar studies may be conducted for existing buildings in different countries, where different regulations and conditions exist. The proposed framework can also be employed to investigate the certification process of new construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors use the occurrence of a large and geographically varying inflow of more than 2.5 million Syrian migrants to Turkey between 2012 and 2015 to study the effect of migration on local economies. They do not find adverse employment or wage effects for native-born Turkish workers overall or for those without a high school degree. These results are robust to a range of strategies to construct reliable control groups. To explain the findings, the authors document the importance of three migration-induced demand channels: the complementarity between native and migrant labor, housing demand, and increased entrepreneurial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of fit between an organization's implementation of project management (PM), and its business level strategy is emphasized in the literature. However, there are a limited number of studies investigating the relationship between business level strategy and implementation of PM in the construction industry. This paper aligns one of the business strategies, namely differentiation, with the PM process. A framework representing differentiation in the construction industry is proposed in this study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to validate the relationship between differentiation and the PM process. The results show that a relationship between differentiation strategy and PM exists. The two types of differentiation are revealed, namely “product variety and speed-related differentiation” (PSD) and “quality and image-related differentiation” (QID). The companies trying to differentiate based on PSD should focus on cost, time and quality management. Change management and project planning are identified as important drivers of differentiation based on PSD. On the other hand, the companies trying to differentiate on QID should consider health, safety and environmental issues as well as quality. Companies should also manage their resources effectively to support the PM process that in turn leads to successful differentiation. Companies can utilize the research findings as a guideline while formulating their differentiation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding about the internal fraud and corruption problem in the Turkish construction industry. The reasons behind the internal fraud and corruption problem as well as the types of prevention methods were investigated; and as a result various recommendations were made. To this end, a risk awareness questionnaire was used to understand the behavioral patterns of the construction industry, and to clarify possible proactive and reactive measures against internal fraud and corruption. The type of fraud experienced by Turkish construction companies was also surveyed in the questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to 89 firms; and depending on the collected data, certain recommendations for construction industry professionals were provided.

Copyright of Dumlupinar University Journal of Social Science / Dumlupinar Üniversitesi Soysyal Bilimler Dergisi is the property of Dumlupinar University (Journal of Social Sciences) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The emergence of the effective management of knowledge resources as a key factor in gaining and sustaining competitive advantage presents new challenges to construction firms. Evaluating knowledge management practices is considered one of the most important challenges facing firms in today's business environment. This paper proposes a model for evaluating the knowledge management practices of construction firms. The proposed model incorporates knowledge management concepts and multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural networks to construct an importance-comparative performance analysis (ICPA) map, a simple visual tool that can provide powerful diagnostic information to executives of construction firms. The model evaluates a firm's knowledge management practices, identifies its competitive advantages and disadvantages in each knowledge management practice, and sets priorities for managerial actions to improve knowledge management practices. A real-world case study was conducted by administering a survey to 105 construction firms operating in Turkey and is presented to illustrate the implementation and utility of the proposed model. The case study findings provided preliminary support for the validity of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kayranlik Mountain (Goksun) in Kahramanmaras is a rich resource of an attractive conglomerate with many uses in the construction industry including blocks, shaped stones, pavement, sidewalks and landscape architecture. The paper reports a study to assess their compliance with the relevant Turkish and European Standards and provides correlations between the uniaxial compressive strength, flexural strength, Brazilian tensile strength, water absorption, abrasion and density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ITU Journal Series A: Architecture, Planning, Design is the property of Istanbul Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract In the Turkish green building industry, firms need to do an industrial analysis as this market has an emerging nature and potentially unstable business environment. By performing such a strategic analysis, they may determine their own holistic sustainability approaches and thereby become long-lasting enterprises. Therefore, this paper presents a fuzzy model of the macro-environmental assessment (FMMA) in the green building industry in Turkey through PESTLE (political, economic, social, technical, legal, and environmental) framework. To achieve this objective, fuzzy synthetic evaluation was used in quantifying macro-environmental conditions (MECs). The required data for this analysis were obtained from professionals working in the national industry. To illustrate how FMMA works, the current case of the industry was presented. As a result, FMMA offers a comprehensive and practical tool. Given empirical findings, the effect of MECs on the industry was found to be medium-to-high. Also, technological factors were identified as the most effective group, followed by environmental, economic, legal, political, and social factors, respectively. Subsequent researches may examine other regions and industries by modifying the existing criteria and weights. Similarly, the green building industry may be investigated from the viewpoint of other parties in the market. Consequently, this study is first to offer a structured PESTLE quantification model and to evaluate MECs in this emerging industry. Highlights • This research presents a structured novel model for macro-environmental assessment. • To quantify the assessment, PESTLE and fuzzy synthetic evaluation were integrated. • As a case, macro-environmental conditions of green building industry were examined. • The effect of these conditions on the industry was calculated as medium-to-high. • Technological and environmental factors were found to be the most effective groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The paper seeks to identify the determinants of business failure in construction and to predict the failure likelihood of construction companies by assessing their current situation based on both company-specific and external factors. Design/methodology/approach - A conceptual model is designed based on an extensive literature survey. The analytical network process together with the Delphi method is utilised to compute the importance weights of variables on business failure through interviews and discussions with experts. The applicability of the proposed model is tested on five companies to estimate their failure likelihood by using the findings derived from the analysis. Findings - The results suggest the importance of organisational and managerial factors, including the efficiency of the value chain at the corporate level, the appropriateness of organisational decisions, and the availability of intangible resources for the survival of construction companies. Research limitations/implications - The findings of the analysis are limited to the experiences of three professionals in the Turkish construction industry. The performance of the model is only tested in five companies. The accuracy of the model may be improved by using the diverse experiences of a larger group of experts. Practical implications - The proposed tool may act as an early warning system for construction companies by estimating the level of their failure likelihood. Companies may benefit from the findings of the model to assess their current situations and take necessary action to avoid possible business failures. Originality/value - The knowledge and experiences of experts are used to obtain a complete model that accommodates both external and company-specific variables, and more importantly the inter-relations among them. Similar models may also be developed for companies in other industries to diagnose their bankruptcy or failure likelihood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of enterprises that can generate solutions and integrate with the problems and changing conditions are very important in today's economic environment. The small and medium size enterprises (SME) that are competitive and that are symbolizing the contemporary entrepreneur enterprise model and that constitute the major part of the total enterprises and employment, gain great importance at this point. Small sized enterprises play an important role in the economical and social development of a country, as it is the case for Turkey. Being one of the leading sectors, building sector, where the labor-intensive technologies are used, is a very important sector with the role in creating employment and vitality in economy. In this paper, the proporties, problems and solution suggestions of the Small Sized Construction Firms that take place in AEC sector are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Civil Engineering & Management is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents a study that aims to define the present position of Turkish construction companies in terms of strategic management. It is based on a survey measuring strengths and weaknesses in the “strategic management” practices of Turkish construction companies, and thus reveals potential opportunities and threats in a generalized manner. The results highlight the current strategic management practice of construction firms for designing their own future. Toward this aim, a detailed questionnaire was administered to 52 construction companies. The culture of companies and their perceptions of strategic management were shown to have serious shortcomings. However, specialization on different project types through joint venture companies established by their partners was found to be a major strength of many companies. These companies also pointed out the developing and unstable nature of both the political and economic structure of Turkey as their most significant threat. This disadvantage has inclined many firms to choose investment in the private sector as a response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today’s global construction industry, firms exist in competitive market environments. To gain and maintain a competitive position in an increasingly challenging climate, firms must achieve a deep understanding of their dynamic environments and shape their strategies according to evolving conditions. Effectively leveraging external forces and shaping internal company focus in relation to the environment are essential for competitive positioning and achieving sustainable growth. This paper explores the concepts of competitive positioning and continuity in the context of mode (cost, quality, innovation, and timing) and scope (segment, vertical, geographic, and industry) of competition for U.S. and Turkish construction firms in international markets. The analysis of selected U.S. and Turkish firms demonstrates the strategic choice perspectives of different firms and the effects of environmental forces on these strategies over time. This study shows that construction firms tend to pursue consistent strategies in international markets while they adjust these strategies according to market demands and global tendencies. Research findings also show the differences between the strategic perspectives of construction firms in high and middle income countries enabling the identification of the factors for competitive advantage of nations in international construction markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The research project called "Designing a building material relational database management system for Turkish construction sector", aims to join "supply side" and "demand side" in the same environment that works on the subject of building material information in the Turkish construction sector. The paper aims to discuss the project findings. Design/methodology/approach — Data were gathered from the information supplied and demanded from the points of sources, levels and frequency of updating by the help of the questionnaires conducted. The data gathered were integrated into the pre-construction stage and used in the analysis of the process as to how this information was used by the "demand side" for building material information. IDEF-0, a structured methodology for functional process analysis, is used to figure out building material evaluation and selection processes in the pre-construction stage. Findings — Material evaluation and selection process for the pre-construction stage is figured out. Behaviors and requirements of demand-side and supply-side in building material information is studied. Difficulties in supplying and presenting building material information in Turkey are evaluated. Originality/value — Although the subject of the paper is well-known, Turkish practices and problems are evaluated, and an alternative model is suggested for the Turkish construction sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry provides an interesting research alternative to other sectors because of its unique characteristics. For this reason, this paper aims to explore and compare the leadership styles of managerial personnel in the construction industry. The study focuses on the empirical evaluations of the similarities and differences in leadership styles of construction professionals. A managerial-style questionnaire is developed based on the review of relevant literature. Questionnaire data obtained from 43 respondents show that the authoritative style is more frequently performed than all other styles. Results also indicate differences in terms of gender and managerial hierarchy. Implications of the results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are problems associated with the Turkish construction sector; some of these problems are implications of Government policy, restrictions imposed on public construction projects, bureaucratic procedures, contractual clauses incorporating unfair risk sharing and inadequacies in control mechanisms. Some problems can be attributed to inadequate technological know how, and/or lack of education and training incentives in new technologies and management approaches. This paper presents findings from research that was aimed at investigating the applicability of partnering in the Turkish construction sector as an alternative approach in seeking solutions to some of the problems within this industry. The findings suggest that the partnering approach could help reduce some of the problems associated with the Turkish construction sector, although the implementation of this approach is likely to face complications, mainly in terms of cultural change requirements and the bureaucracies associated especially with the public construction process. The findings also suggest that if partnering were to be considered for Turkey, the private construction sector would offer more flexibility in the implementation of this approach, rather than reliance on the Government for the introduction of partnering into Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The construction industry is a crucial industry for national development worldwide. Because the construction industry is tied to national and international economic activities, the COVID-19 outbreak has limited construction projects. Therefore, this study investigates the most influential factors regarding COVID-19 and their effects on the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: The potential impacts of COVID-19 on the construction industry were identified through a realistic literature review and interviews with professionals. A questionnaire was distributed via e-mail to architects, civil engineers and contractors who play vital roles during the construction processes. The data were analysed using SPSS 22 and LISREL 8.7 software to quantify the most influential pandemic-related factors faced by the construction industry. Findings: Ten influential pandemic factors affecting the construction industry in Turkey were identified. Among them, "increased costs and price escalations due to shortage of raw materials and supply chain disruption" and "challenges with payment and cash flows" were determined as the most influential pandemic factors. Research limitations/implications: This research aims to advance comprehension of pandemic impacts and contributes an incipient assessment framework based on 10 determined pandemic factors. Therefore, contractors, architects and civil engineers may analyse their weaknesses and organise precise priorities so that their firms may remain competitive, thus minimising the adverse impact of COVID-19 and possible forthcoming waves. Originality/value: Few studies have identified the effect of pandemics on the construction industry qualitatively, forcing management to make projections to the current situation. Moreover, no study has provided insights into the influential factors of pandemics using quantitative methods. Therefore, this study comprehensively and quantitatively determines the relevant COVID-19 pandemic factors using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and utilises confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling to present a structural model of how pandemic factors affect the Turkish construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the findings of a survey carried out in 1995 among Turkish subcontractors, the present paper argues that pressures (time, overload of work and commercial considerations) play an important role in the subcontracting of work by subcontractors to secondary subcontractors. The tendency to sublet work to secondary subcontractors is associated with cost control and payment problems. Subcontractors also seem to perceive the lack of written agreements with secondary subcontractors as problematic, especially in terms of physical progress of work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world has been living tough times both socially and economically because of the novel coronavirus. Social effects of Covid-19 have seen right after precautions taken by governments all around the world. However, precautions brought economical problems. Construction industry is also affected from this situation. To better understand the effect of Covid-19 on construction industry, questionnaire is carried out among people from construction industry. Questions are selected specifically for targeted people in construction industry. Survey is conducted electronically. Participants remained anonymous during survey. Totally 598 participants took part in questionnaire voluntarily. Survey questions are about job safety, finding a new job and precautions. Results indicated that, Covid-19 caused increase in unemployment in construction industry, making it harder to find a new job. This study proves that ordinary workers in the construction industry are the most vulnerable part for Covid -19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of sustainable development and energy efficiency efforts has increased in the construction sector. Energy-saving efforts for buildings have become more important due to the global energy crisis, and energy rating systems have been developed globally for assessment of energy performance. In this study, international green building certificate and energy performance certificate (EPC) systems are presented. The official EPC system for buildings in Turkey is illustrated with case studies. Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from residential buildings are calculated using the official national software, which is called BEP-TR. The impact of lighting on the total energy performance of residential buildings is also examined. Changes in energy performance values are discussed for various cases. As a result of this study, it was determined that residential buildings constructed before 2000 consume more energy than those constructed after 2000; they are a lower energy performance class of buildings. Use of energy-saving lamps has also had a positive impact on both lighting and total energy performance classes. This paper aims to contribute to the promotion of building energy certification systems and energy efficiency issues for the construction sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is currently in a transition process that deeply affects the long-established way of collaboration and building information modelling (BIM) is at the centre of this transition. Achieving the smooth integration of BIM in construction projects requires companies to spend great effort and resources. In that sense, it is crucial to generate a comprehensive list of critical success factors (CSFs) of BIM adoption. This study aims to systematically identify the CSFs of BIM implementation in the construction phase and evaluate their effectiveness on real projects for Turkish construction industry. Within this context, an extensive literature review was conducted and CSFs were identified. The number of times each factor had been cited in the literature was recorded as the frequency. A comprehensive framework with 6 components was utilized including drivers, inputs, enablers, barriers, benefits and impacts. The identified CSFs were assigned to relevant components based on their contents. In an attempt to distinguish the responsibilities of the industry, firms, and project teams; each factor was categorized into three levels of influences (industry-, firm-, and projectlevel). A case study was employed to examine the effectiveness of each factor in practice through conducting interviews with the practitioners of 18 different construction projects. The interviewees were asked to specify the effectiveness of each factor in a 1-5 Likert Scale based on their experience in that particular project. This study is expected to promote BIM implementation in the construction industry and inform the industry professionals about the most significant factors to focus on. Further research may utilize the framework to conduct similar studies in different countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to develop a roadmap for ISO 9001-certified construction companiesn to move towards effective Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation. Although ISO 9001-certified companies are more ready for TQM implementation, there is no roadmap developed for these companies to move towards TQM. Therefore, in this study, 8 main critical success factors (CSFs) and 24 sub-CSFs of effective TQM implementation were determined through a literature review and expert review meetings. Then, to reveal the application-level differences of these CSFs, a questionnaire survey was prepared and distributed to participants working at 75 Turkish construction companies. The 16 of 75 construction companies were selected among members of the Turkish Quality Association (Kalder). Finally, a total of 40 completed questionnaires were received and t -test analysis was performed on the survey data. The results revealed that the most significant differences observed between these companies are giving quality awareness education to employees, training of employees on how to use quality management methods and tools, quality data related to products provided by suppliers, and measurement of internal customer satisfaction. Consequently, a roadmap was proposed based on the revealed differences. With this roadmap, first, ISO-certified companies should provide quality awareness education to employees, train employees on how to use quality management methods and tools, collect quality data related to products provided by suppliers, and measure internal customer satisfaction to move towards TQM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural materials such as ignimbrites are preferred commonly not only in historical places but also in houses or in different kind of buildings all over the world especially around Ahlat in Bitlis-Turkey. Durability, lightness and good-insulation are the significative properties of these stones. Also, pumice is an another preferred material because of its advantages in construction industry. In this paper, four kinds of ignimbrite (light-yellow, yellow, black and white) and pumice from Ahlat region have been investigated by EPR method to determine magnetic properties of them. The results obtained by EPR, EDS and XRD methods are evaluated together. SEM technique is also used to understand the surface morphology of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study was conducted to investigate the radioactive potential hazard of granite, which is widely used as building material in Turkey. Natural radiation levels of 18 various, globally-distributed industrial granite samples imported by Turkey, were analyzed using gamma-ray spectrometer. The results are compared with the formerly published findings of granite samples from Turkey. Radioactivity levels of 238U, 232Th, and 40K natural radioactive series elements of the selected 18 specimens were measured, which were from 2.4 ± 0.5 to 88.8 ± 3.6 Bq kg −1 for 238U, from 2.4 ± 0.7 to 273 ± 0.9 Bq kg −1 for 232Th, and from 169 ± 24 to 1,479 ± 94 Bq kg −1 for 40K. Radium equivalent activities (Ra eq) were calculated for the granite samples to assess their radiation hazards in the construction of dwellings. The Ra eq values of granite samples varied in the range of 39.05–570 Bq kg −1, only one sample exceeded the safe limit value of 370 Bq kg −1 set by the OECD-NEA (Nuclear Energy Agency. Exposure to radiation from natural radioactivity in building materials. Report by NEA Group of Experts 1979 ). Absorbed dose rates in air were found between 18.74 and 261 nGy h −1 and radiogenic heat production values were calculated in the range of 0.45–6.53 μW m −3. All rock samples used in this study were also analysed mineralogically and defined their compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are various factors affecting flat sales prices. Various characteristics of a flat play an important role in determining its sales price. In this study, a machine learning based Bayesian network was built by a restrictive structural learning algorithm using the data collected from 24 randomly selected cities in Turkey. The data consist of the sales prices and various characteristics of a flat such as number of bedrooms, building age, availability of balcony, net area, heating type, mortgageability, number of bathrooms, seller type, presence in a housing estate area and floor location. After the model validity check, a sensitivity analysis was performed for the estimated Bayesian network model and related results were provided. Some of these results indicate that sales prices of flats mostly change depending on the number of bathrooms available. Additionally, number of bedrooms, net area and floor location are also determinative about the sales prices. The lack of significant difference among the sales prices of flats that are sold by construction companies, housing estate agents or property owners is another result obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the internationalization of the businesses about the accounting applications between the countries some differences that must be eliminated occurred. To dispose these differences and to use a common language on accounting applications the financial reporting standarts constituted. In this study, the aim is to research the applicability of data that is only theoretical and prepared according to the TFRS 8 standarts of operating segments from the financial reporting standarts. In this paper, the data obtained from a construction business tested to determine how can the clauses in TFRS 8 Standarts of Operating Segments be interpreted in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Construction firms all over the world are increasingly seeking to obtain ISO 14001. The rapid growth in the number of ISO 14001 applications in Turkey and the share from the construction sector in this number, as a leading sector, is rather striking. This paper, using a structured questionnaire survey, investigates whether there is any dependence or relation between construction firms characteristics and having ISO 14001 certification and any difference in the perceptions related to ISO 14001 by considering both firm characteristics and two different groups as certified and non-certified firms. Additionally, it examines the perceived benefits of having ISO 14001 for certified construction firms. According to the results of analysis, although there is not any difference in perceptions on ISO 14001 certification in terms of firm characteristics and being as certified and non-certified and their both positive opinions about ISO 14001 certification. There is a relation between firms characteristics and having ISO 14001 certification. ISO 14001 certification contributes to construction firms not only in terms of environmental benefits but also with corporate management and marketing effects, thus verifying that the ISO 14001 has a positive impact on the Turkish construction sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although the relationship between personality characteristics and job performance has aroused significant research interest, there is limited research in the construction context. Thus, the primary focus of this study is to determine whether personality differences exist among the construction professionals. The Turkish version of Gough’s Adjective Check List is employed to assess the personality characteristics of construction professionals. Following are only some of the findings derived from the one way ANOVA and independent sample T-test used for the analysis: Architects tend to score higher on the scales of aggression, change, and creative personality than do civil engineers; whereas civil engineers have higher scores on the scales of order, endurance, interception, nurturable, affiliation, personal adjustment, military leadership, and feminine attributes than architects. When it comes to gender, counseling readiness, along with autonomy, become two of the most differentiating factors between males and females. The findings of this study reveal that similarities and differences do exist among architects and civil engineers, males and females, and various age groups and should be managed accordingly for the ultimate success in the construction profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]