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This study examines the quality assurance (QA) practices of cross-border construction logistics and supply chain (Cb-CLSC) amid the pandemic by adopting an embedded mixed-method design involving a comprehensive desk literature review and experts across the Hong Kong–Mainland China links. The study revealed 10 critical QA practices, with the top three critical practices comprising 'understanding requirements, norms, and standards of quality', 'assigning clear responsibilities to qualified workers' and 'recording and documenting work processes, project routine, and seamless implementations'. This attained a relatively good percentage agreement of 55% between the industry and academia. Sentiment analysis denoted the impacts of the pandemic to be largely neutral, i.e. the created opportunities neutralise the negative impacts. This study deepens the understanding of the subject matter to help practitioners, researchers and policymakers develop innovative approaches and make operational decisions to position QA adequately for the post-pandemic era and endure the risks of future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to identify the dimensions and the significant critical factors capable of enhancing Smart Building Technologies' (SBTs') implementation for smart building projects in developing countries. A desk literature review is first conducted to identify and categorize the potential factors. It is further analyzed using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) based on 227 valid data from experts in Ghana. The study revealed four underlying dimensions (i.e., 'processes and control'[PC], 'people and skills'[PS], 'methods and techniques'[MT], and 'knowledge sharing'[KS]) consisting 14 significant critical factors capable of enhancing SBTs implementation for smart building projects, with the top three comprising 'appropriate procedures/practices for managing smart building projects (MT3)', 'appropriate tools/techniques to guide smart building projects to their delivery (MT2)', and 'skills and experience required to pick project team members for smart building projects (PS1)'. Further analysis with PLS-SEM revealed a significant positive effect of the four underlying dimensions and their positive interrelationships toward framework development. Besides the unique contribution of this study to the knowledge body, it also provides project managers and a construction design team with a structured knowledge of the skills, expertise, attitudes, decision-making, processes, control mechanisms, and effective delivery of smart building projects in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing environmental concerns and the threat of resource scarcity have heightened interest in the Circular Economy (CE) concept over the last decade. Nonetheless, implementation of CE practice within the built environment has taken a slower pace in comparison with other industries. A clear understanding of systemic and multilevel aspects of CE, especially in relation to barriers that hinder practical implementation, appears to be lacking within the sector. In light of this, the study aims to examine the existing body of knowledge to elucidate, from a systemic perspective, CE barriers across various levels in construction. To achieve this purpose, a scientometric analysis is used to examine 581 bibliometric-searched filtered articles on CE implementation barriers in construction. Key issues, drivers and potential resolutions are explained using content analysis of specific pre-determined articles. The study finds that critical system levels of CE implementation (micro, meso, and macro levels) are interrelated. However, barriers and drivers at each individual level may differ. Additionally, this paper categorises key barriers to implementing CE-aligned strategies into five main themes, namely: definition and theory misconception, political and legislative, social and cultural, financial and economic, and technological barriers. Based on these, four cross-cutting enablers are established to drive the transition from linear to circular economy in construction. The findings of this study highlight deficiencies and challenges in current research while providing a path for future studies. It provides a convenient point of reference for practitioners, policy makers, and research and development (R&D) institutions on CE implementation within the industry. Lastly, the study raises public awareness on CE barriers and guides the AEC sector to develop intellectual capital to overcome them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]