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Construction managers are the drivers of project success. To perform well, they need to possess key competencies, such as knowledge, skills, and attitudes, all of which can be improved through proper training. However, despite the skill shortage that still exists in the construction industry, extant literature does not precisely reveal the training methods and training approaches that can impart to construction managers the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they require. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify training methods and training approaches that can develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that construction managers require. The paper presents the results of a Delphi study with 12 experts and 44 professionals, who were asked to provide their opinions on training methods and training approaches that can be adopted to develop the core competencies expected of construction managers. The study revealed 20 elements of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are most significant to construction managers in the form of competencies and the training methods and training approaches that can deliver those competencies. The most significant knowledge was found to be schedule management and planning, the most significant skill time management and the most significant attitude supportive leadership. Furthermore, learning by doing and private training provided within the workplace were identified as the most favourable training methods and training approaches, respectively for construction managers to acquire the significant competencies they require.

Aggregate base course is one of the most significant and bulky material used in road construction projects. Literature on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be used to control the of aggregate base course waste generation during the construction phase of a road project, especially from the contractor's perspective, is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the KPIs for managing the aggregate base course waste in road projects from the perspective of a contractor. A quantitative research approach comprising three Delphi rounds was used to collect the empirical data, which were analysed using statistical data analysis tools. The study revealed that the use of the wrong construction method is the most significant waste generation factor, while proper supervision is the most significant strategy to overcome the generation of aggregate base course waste. The experience and qualifications of technical staff related to the handling of aggregate base course waste is the most significant KPI for controlling the aggregate base course waste generation in road constructions. The study contributes to knowledge and the industry by minimising aggregate base course waste while reducing cost and time overruns and enhancing the performance and sustainability of road construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lean construction (LC) is becoming prevalent, and assessment of the level of LC implementation is vital for organizations to realize their full potential. In meeting that need, lean construction maturity models (LCMMs) play a key role. However, there is less evidence of critical reviews in spite of the significant number of LCMMs available. Therefore, this study was initiated with the aim of systematically reviewing the literature on existing lean-construction-related maturity models (MMs) through a critical review. The study adopted the PRISMA method to review 24 such models using manual content analysis. The study revealed the most common attributes among the models, along with their key strengths and weaknesses. The findings of this study can be directly used to develop more robust LCMMs and enhance the knowledge base on theoretical underpinnings. From an industry perspective, the findings assist organizations to more effectively assess LC maturity. The study invites further research on the area of LC maturity and advocates for developing new MMs addressing these areas identified for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teamwork and participatory management techniques, such as quality circles (QCs), have positive impacts on employee JS. Nevertheless, literature has ignored the use of QCs to enhance JS in the construction industry. Thus, this study aimed to explore the influence of QCs on the JS of employees working in the construction industry in Sri Lanka. The exploratory nature of the study required data collection through semi-structured interviews, conducted in two rounds. The collected data were analyzed using code-based content analysis. The interviewees selected using purposive sampling, were holding managerial positions in construction organizations. The symptoms and causes of poor employee JS in the construction industry were identified; the QC objectives that can address poor employee JS were also analyzed. The study findings indicated that QCs are effective in enhancing the JS of construction employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proactive management of a design can prevent design errors. Design changes can be mitigated by using Augmented Reality (AR) prototype digital models. However, the use of these models in construction is still in its infancy. Thus, this study assessed how AR could be used to overcome traditional pre-contract design communication related issues in construction. The study used a qualitative approach. The data required were collected through interviews conducted with experts in the fields of construction and information technology. Manual content analysis was used to analyse the collected empirical data. The study revealed that design communication issues could be related to architectural design, structural design, service design, and design collaboration. AR toolkit models, 360-degree model visualisation, walkthroughs, model registration, clash detection, and digital information overlays would minimise design communication issues, while AR features would enable design knowledge acquisition and negotiation. However, in construction, technical and social challenges are found to hinder AR implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) on Design and Build (D&B) projects is scarce and this study fulfills the research gap by assessing the impact of TQM and its elements on D&B projects. The study used a mixed approach comprising a series of expert interviews and a questionnaire survey. Manual content analysis was used to analyze the collected interview data. The interview findings revealed that TQM could improve the quality of a D&B project at five stages of the project. The quantitative analysis of the interview findings was used to assess the significance of TQM in construction, importance of TQM elements in D&B projects, and suitability of TQM and its elements for D&B projects. At briefing, and tender documentation and action stages, TQM is moderately suitable for enhancing D&B project quality, while at concept design and design development, detail design and technical information, and construction and handing over stages, TQM is highly suitable for enhancing D&B project quality. A heatmap was used to present the rankings of TQM elements in D&B project stages with regard to their importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction project costs frequently deviate from their estimated costs. Cost controlling techniques/tools (CCTTs) can be used to monitor these deviations. However, the effectiveness of these techniques and tools has to be evaluated. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of CCTTs used in Asian, Middle Eastern, and European construction projects. The study included a series of interviews with 15 experts to categorize the techniques and tools and identify their KPIs. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 300 chartered quantity surveyors to evaluate the level of significance of each CCTT and its KPIs. The highest number of CCTTs is implemented in the execution stage, while only few CCTTs are implemented in the initiation stage. The most significant technique used in the initiation stage is the 'preliminary project estimate,' and its most significant KPI is the 'cost per functional unit.' 'Contract management' is the most important technique used in the execution stage. 'Final accounts' with 'effective contract sum' as the KPI is the principle technique used in the closing stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial sector consumes a substantial portion of electrical energy. Building owners persistently believe that combining on-site renewable energy systems to buildings is not cost-effective in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the use of on-site renewable energy sources for industrial buildings in Sri Lanka. This research carried out 10 expert interviews and 6 case studies. Experts determined that solar and biomass as viable on-site energy generating sources in Sri Lanka. Life-cycle cost was calculated for six case studies representing three case studies for each viable option followed by a sensitivity analysis. Based on the research findings, biomass can effectively manage waste while eliminating the risk of the emission of harmful biomethane. Based on the calculations, the payback period for a solar system varies between 4 and 6 years and biomass system varies between 6 and 7 years. This research explored the potential of generating on-site renewable energy for industrial building. Although the 'on-site' energy generation is not widely discussed in industrial buildings, this research study strengthened the possibility of adopting solar and biomass as on-site renewable energy generation sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although urbanization can increase the prosperity and development of the urbanized communities, the planning, management and governance of these areas is often a struggle resulting in incomplete infrastructure, precarious urban settlements and environmental issues. This study, therefore, was focused on exploring the economic implications of urban renewal by identifying the economic factors that affect the planning and delivery of the associated projects. The study adopted an interpretive stance and the research strategies used were a survey and three case studies. A pilot study was first done and it was followed by case studies. The cases were selected using judgmental sampling and represented the subsystems of urban renewal. The data collected using semi-structured interviews were analysed by comparing with a pattern of impacts developed using literature findings. The study identified the strengths, weaknesses and the areas that can be improved in urban renewal proposals. The findings including were identified under four categories: regional economy, demography, real estate market and transportation economy. The weaknesses of the projects and the strategies that can mitigate them were also identified. A framework that can be used to screen and select new urban renewal proposals was finally developed based on the findings of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In government refurbishment projects, contractors are selected through competitive bidding. The special characteristics of these projects, such as complexity, uncertainty, lack of design details and unclear scope, and the accountability expected from them, make it necessary to have in place a proper procedure for evaluating the bids received for these projects. Some of the major problems encountered when evaluating these projects are the small number of bids received, wide differences noticed among the submissions and the difficulties experienced in the assessment of the impact of non-price factors of the bidders. The adjustment of the weightages given to project requirements; and the determination of the actual capabilities and the impact of the non-price factors of the bidders would improve the quality of the bids, the efficiency of the overall bid evaluation procedure; and the success of the projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space management has an important role to play in office buildings as it can create a safe, functional and efficient space that can increase productivity of the office staff. Unutilized space in office buildings could be used as shared workspaces by different people for different purposes. This study used a qualitative research approach to collect data thorough fifteen semi-structured interviews conducted with industry practitioners selected using purposive sampling. The two case studies done subsequently identified the issues that could arise in space planning and the possibility of adopting the concept of shared workspace in Sri Lanka. The data collected were analysed using NVivo 11 content analysis software to identify the characteristics of spaces that could be used as shared spaces, types of shared spaces, enablers/barriers that contribute to the success/failure of shared workspaces and the steps that can be taken to overcome the barriers. The barriers identified are legal and regulatory issues, lack of privacy, need to match co-worker expectations and attitudes as a whole, need to monitor and control the space, noise and the unavailability of an effective support structure. Recommendations to overcome each identified barrier are also presented. The findings of the research would facilitate the smooth implementation of the shared workspace concept in Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]