Research Progress and Prospects of Total Factor Productivity in the Construction Industry

The high-quality development of the construction industry fundamentally stems from the significant improvement of total factor productivity.Therefore,it is of crucial significance for promoting the development of the construction industry to a higher level by scientifically and accurately measuring the total factor productivity of the construction industry and deeply analyzing the influencing factors behind it.Based on a comprehensive consideration of research methods and influencing factors,this paper systematically reviews the existing relevant literature on total factor productivity in the construction industry,aiming to reveal the current research development trend in this field and point out potential problems.This effort aims to provide a solid theoretical foundation and valuable reference for further in-depth research,and jointly promote the continuous progress and development of total factor productivity research in the construction industry.

Carbon emission risk of construction industry in Hebei Province of China based on carbon sink thresholds

In order to assess the environmental risks caused by carbon emissions from the construction industry in Hebei Province of China,an environmental risk assessment model based on forest carbon sink threshold was constructed to evaluate the carbon emission risks of the construction industry in Hebei Province,China from 2005 to 2020.The results are shown as follows:(1)The overall carbon emissions of the construction industry in Hebei Province of China showed an inverted"V"-shaped evolution trend during the past 16 years.Tangshan and Shijiazhuang maintained high carbon emissions,while Langfang,Hengshui and Baoding saw rapid increases in carbon emissions.(2)The environmental safety threshold of carbon emission from the construction industry in Hebei Province,China,has been continuously improved,and the provincial environmental safety threshold is between 9475080-23144760 tons;The environmental safety threshold was the highest in Baoding and Langfang,and the lowest in Xingtai.(3)In the past 16 years,the carbon emission risk of the construction industry in Hebei Province of China has been in a state of extremely serious risk,and the risk index generally presents an inverted"V"type trend.(4)The carbon emission risk of Hebei city in China presents a spatial pattern of"high in the south and low in the north",which goes through two stages:risk increase period and risk reduction period.

Software and Mobile Apps as a Strategy for Productivity Improvement in the Construction Industry

The construction industry, known for its low productivity, is increasingly utilising software and mobile apps to enhance efficiency. However, more comprehensive research is needed to understand the effectiveness of these technology applications. The PRISMA principles utilised a scoping review methodology to ascertain pertinent studies and extract significant findings. From 2013 onwards, articles containing data on mobile applications or software designed to enhance productivity in the construction sector were obtained from multiple databases, including Emerald Insight, Science Direct, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar. After evaluating 2604 articles, 30 were determined to be pertinent to the study and were subsequently analysed for the review. The review identified five key themes: effectiveness, benefits, successful implementation examples, obstacles and limitations, and a comprehensive list of software and mobile apps. In addition, 71 software and mobile apps have shown potentially how these technologies can improve communication, collaboration, project management, real-time collaboration, document management, and on-the-go project information and estimating processes in the construction industry, increasing efficiency and productivity. The findings highlight the potential of these technologies such as Automation, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Internet of Things (IoT) to improve efficiency and communication in the construction industry. Despite challenges such as cost, lack of awareness, resistance to change, compatibility concerns, human resources, technological and security concerns and licensing issues, the study identifies specific mobile applications and software with the potential to enhance efficiency significantly, improve productivity and streamline workflows. The broader societal impacts of construction software and mobile app development include increased efficiency, job creation, and sustainability.

Leadership and Top Management Influence on Total Quality Management Implementation in the Ghanaian Construction Industry

This study aims to determine the key and underlying Leadership and Top Management (LTM) factors that have a significant impact on sustaining the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) within the construction industry in Ghana. The research methodology employed in this study was a quantitative technique. Questionnaires were distributed to 641 participants within construction industry in Ghana. Questionnaires retrieved for the analysis were 536. Three steps approached were used for the data analysis. These include Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis. After conducting the EFA and CFA, SEM was also used to analyze the construct validity. The SEM analysis helps to determine four key indicator variables for the leadership and top management construct. These include Leadership/Top Management approach to employees’ management, Leadership/Top Management understanding of TQM, Leadership/Top Management empowerment of employees to resolve quality issues, and Leadership/Top Management endorsement of TQM. All the four indicator variables were found to be good of fit and closely associated with the dependent variable. The study adds to the body of knowledge by using EFA, CFA and SEM techniques to establish key leadership and top management factors affecting TQM implementation in Ghana’s construction industry. The findings in general suggested that leadership and top Management factors identified have a direct positive impact on sustaining TQM implementation in the Ghanaian construction industry. Consequently, the leadership and top management factors identified in this study can help improve TQM in the Ghanaian construction industry.

Prediction of Total Output Value of Construction Industry in Jiangxi Province Based on Grey Prediction Model

In order to realize the accurate prediction of the total output value of construction industry in the future,the grey prediction model is used to compare the measured value with the predicted value from 2012 to 2021,and based on the existing data,the total output value of construction industry in Jiangxi Province in the next five years is predicted.The results show that the grey prediction model has a good prediction effect,and the error between the predicted value and the measured value is within 14%,which provides a basis for policy adjustment and resource optimization.

Evaluation Study on the Level of High-Quality Development of the Construction Industry in Henan Province of China

Based on the data of the construction industry in Henan Province, China, from 2005 to 2020, the high-quality development level of the construction industry in Henan Province is measured. Firstly, this paper constructs the indicator system based on the high-quality development theory and the characteristic of the construction industry from seven dimensions: industrial scale, industrial efficiency, industrial benefits, industrial innovation, industrial risk, industrial potential, and the green development of the construction industry. Secondly, using the global principal component analysis (PCA) method to measure the high-quality development level. Thirdly, cluster analysis is applied to measure the relative changes of various dimensions in different stages. The results show that overall the high-quality development level of the construction industry in Henan province is increasing, but different indicators perform differently in various stages, and the changes in real estate policies have a significant impact on this. Finally, based on these findings, we think it is better to reduce real estate dependence, promote the application of new materials and technologies and maintain the stability of real estate policies.

Strategies for Adoption of Circular Economy in the Nigeria Construction Industry

The concept of circular economy has gained recognition as a way to manage waste and conserve resources sustainably,and has the potential to transform the construction industry.This is particularly relevant in the construction industry due to the significant amounts of waste generated during the construction and demolition process.This study examines the perceived importance and effectiveness of strategies related to the circular economy in the construction industry.The data were collected through a survey administered to professionals in the construction sector,capturing their perceptions of various strategies.The results reveal that most strategies received high mean ratings,indicating their perceived significance.Strategies such as waste management and recycling facilities,design for disassembly,and prioritising the use of renewable and sustainable materials were highly valued by the respondents.Additionally,statistical analyses confirmed the significance of these strategies.However,some strategies received comparatively lower ratings,suggesting the need for further attention and improvement.The findings have important implications for policymakers,industry professionals,and stakeholders,guiding decision-making and resource allocation.By prioritising and implementing the identified strategies,stakeholders can drive the adoption of circular economy principles,enhance resource efficiency,and reduce waste in construction practices.Furthermore,this study lays the foundation for future research,highlighting the importance of exploring barriers to implementation,understanding synergies and trade-offs among strategies,conducting longitudinal studies to assess long-term impact,and broadening the participant pool for a more comprehensive understanding.Overall,this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the circular economy in the construction industry and provides valuable insights for promoting sustainability and circularity within the sector.

Forecasting of development of the Jiangsu construction industry and its case analysis

In order to grasp the development path of the Jiangsu construction industry, a multivariable linear regression model for forecasting is proposed. Five factors affecting development of the Jiangsu construction industry are chosen as explanatory variables. They are the construction industry＇s fixed assets K, the gross domestic product （GDP）, real estate added value （REAV）, construction industry export （WS）and investment in construction and installation projects（JA）. The principal component analysis is used to resolve multicollinearity between them. The construction added value （CAV） is chosen as a dependant variable, and the growth model of the Jiangsu construction industry is established. Statistical data from 1990 to 2008 are used to test the prediction accuracy of the model. The predictive results show that from 2009 to 2012, the average annual growth rate of the Jiangsu construction industry added value will be 17. 65% while the GDP growth rate will be 14. 16% . the Jiangsu construction industry will grow faster than the GDP in the near future. The construction output of the GDP continues to rise, and its pillar position will be further strengthened.

OSH star enterprise pilot scheme——a partnership approach to improve the safety performance of construction industry in Hong Kong SAR

Background: The Occupational Safety and Health Council(OSHC) is committed to improve the safety performance of the high risk construction industry.In the past three years,about 40% of the fatal accidents in the construction industry were related to Renovation,Maintenance,Alteration and Addition(RMAA).Due to the poor safety record,some of the RMAA contractors have difficulty in obtaining the Employees' Compensation Insurance(ECI) cover in the market,or if they could obtain the ECI,the premium rate would be exceedingly high.In view of this,the OSHC,the Labour Department jointly launched"OSH Star Enterprise-Pilot Scheme on Safety Accreditation for the RMAA Industry",which prompts the industry to take practicable safety measures to improve the safety of working environment and reduce occupational injuries.The program also helps the stakeholders and insurers to identify safety-conscious contractors and thereby provide them with a favourable premium rate under the Employees' Compensation Insurance Residual Scheme(ECIRS).Objectives: The OSHC launches the Pilot Scheme to improve the safety performance of the RMAA industry through providing safety training,subsidizing enterprise to purchase safety equipment and providing safety audit.We also use financial incentive to encourage RMAA enterprises to join the Pilot Scheme-for those who are accredited as "OSH Star Enterprise"could receive a premium discount from the ERIRS when obtaining the ECI.The scheme also differentiates those safety-conscious and law-abiding enterprises from the poor performers,which helps the industry and public identifying the RMAA contractors who pay attention to work safety.Methods: The Pilot Scheme targets RMAA enterprises that employ less than 50 employees in Hong Kong.A three-pronged approach is used to improve the safety performance of the RMAA industry: the Pilot Scheme provides(1) financial support for the RMAA contractors to buy a transportable temporary anchor device and full body safety harness and its anchor system;(2) safety training on RMAA work safety and safety & health supervisor course;and(3) safety audit.Results: Enterprises that successfully pass the safety audit and satisfied the Scheme requirements will be accredited as"OSH Star Enterprise",which will be valid for two years.These enterprises can also be upgraded to"OSH Gold Star Enterprise"based on their continuous improvement in safety performance.OSHC will set up a register of OSH-accredited enterprises in RMAA works for reference of the public to facilitate their choosing of accredited contractors.The Employees' Compensation Insurance Residual Scheme Bureau will provide privileged premium rate for enterprises with OSH accreditation."OSH Star Enterprise"could enjoy 40% discounts when joining their insurance scheme.For example,a skilled worker's annual premium can be reduced by about HK $ 36,000.While,the "OSH Gold Star Enterprise"could enjoy 50% discounts when joining their insurance scheme,which means a skilled worker's annual premium can be reduced up to HK $ 45,000.Achievements: This Pilot Scheme offers practical assistance as well as attractive financial incentives for the RMAA industry to improve their safety performance.The Employees'Compensation Insurance Residual Scheme provides premium discounts for enterprises that have a good safety record.It provides incentive for RMAA contractors to actively participate in the Pilot Scheme.The Scheme demonstrates that by providing a safe working environment and appropriate personal protective equipment to workers,the enterprise not only helps to reduce the accident rate of the industry but also receive an economic return.The Pilot Scheme bridges stakeholders of RMAA industry,the government and the insurance industry creating an "all-win"situation.This partnership approach to prevent injuries and accidents in the construction industry could be an effective model for other industries.

Using the Balanced Scorecard as a Strategic Management System in the Libyan Construction Industry

Libya is a developing country that has a growing construction industry, however, the management of construction projects frequently experiences challenges with time and cost restraints and this affects the overall performance of the project as well as the performance of the project managers. The main aim of this paper is to apply BSC in the Libyan construction industry and evaluate the factors that impact project manager performance and their ability to complete and deliver projects successfully in Libya. This study will ascertain the role of project managers, the challenges that project managers in Libya frequently encounter the cause of time and cost overruns within construction projects and the main factors for successful construction projects. This research adopted both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The findings are based upon 300 structured questionnaires distributed to general, project managers working on construction sectors in Libya （Tripoli）. Completed questionnaires received were 183. This is a response rate of 61%. A statistical analysis was used to confirm and address the issues of reliability and validity of the questionnaire survey as a measuring instrument. In addition structured interviews with qualified project managers were used to confirm that the data collected were truly reflective. Upon the data analysis from the questionnaire survey and structured interview the project manager is the most important factor affecting the success of the project in construction industries Libya, furthermore project manager skills are important components that influence the performance of project manager.

Implementing Life Cycle Costing in Malaysian Construction Industry： A Review

The construction industry is a sector that contributes a lot to the economic growth of Malaysia, as it is developing rapidly similar in fashion to other developing countries around the world. In line with the 9th Malaysia Plan, development in Malaysia must meet current and future needs to achieve sustainability in economic development, as well as functioning as a social and environmental responsibility for prosperity without compromising the needs of future generations. To ensure that the government＇s objective is met, construction industry should implement the LCC （life cycle costing） method in structure and infrastructure projects so as to not cause losses to the industry itself and to the government. Through LCC, factors contributing to, and the associated cost of maintenance works for a building are identified at the design stage to obtain a more accurate projection of the total cost. This paper describes the LCC as a vital element in the construction industry since this method can drive quality improvement by taking into account the comprehensive cost of a project. The main aim of this paper is to aid in understanding the application of the LCC concept for the construction industry, particularly for the maintenance phase. This paper also identifies LCC processes involved in a building construction project and subsequently provides recommendation on appropriate measures to implement LCC in the construction industry in Malaysia.

The Prediction of Bankruptcy in a Construction Industry of Russian Federation

The problem of the firm bankruptcy prediction was investigated by foreign researchers in the 1930s and it still remains relevant. Since the publishing of Altman＇s （1968） major work, based on multiple discriminant analysis （MDA）, this methodological area has considerably changed. Taking into consideration that new data have appeared in the course of time, companies＇ average size has changed, and the accounting standards have changed （Altman, Haldeman, ＆ Narayanan, 1977）, methods and models should be renewed so as to be appropriate for current situation. The purpose of this paper1 is to reveal factors causing bankruptcy and use models appropriate for prediction bankruptcy in the area of a construction industry during the financial crisis. This investigation has been carried out on the basis of logit and probit analysis. The main reasons of bankruptcy revealed in the course of this investigation are the following： （1） non-optimal capital structure formation; （2） ineffective liquidity management; （3） decrease in assets profitability; and （4） decrease in short-term assets turnover. The most reliable indicators which give warning of bankruptcy ahead of others are financial instability and liquidity ratios.

Logistics Management in the Ghanaian Construction Industry

In the field of the construction industry, logistics management has become an issue of concern which needs to be focused on in order to ensure effective, successful and timely execution of projects in the construction industry. Logistics management in construction is a multidisciplinary process which makes sure things are done at the right time, cost and quality as well as material supply and handling, schedule control, site infrastructure and equipment location, site physical flow management, traffic arrangements on and around the construction site, and information management related to all physical and services flow. This paper seeks to identify and evaluate the possible factors that affect logistics management in the construction industry and also to ascertain the current practices of inventory management and the effect on logistics management envisage by construction personnel’s and stake holders. A descriptive survey research was conducted with both structured and unstructured questionnaire and administered both via e-mail and by sending questionnaire link onto a WhatsApp platform groups of the respondents, and out of the 187 respondents that took part in the survey, 22 respondents feedback were incomplete so 165 member respondents results were analyzed representing 88.2% response rate. The survey results were analyzed, displayed and interpreted in the form of tables, bar charts, column chart and pie chart with the use of SPSS software. The research survey respondents were comprised of Project Managers, Project Coordinators, Foremen, Site Managers/ Officers, Logistics Managers, Inventory Managers and Laborers. The survey results revealed that majority of the total respondents are in the capacity or position as Logistics Managers and also have from 5 to 10 years working experience, and as well majority of the respondents have also attained Master’s degree qualification. It was also revealed that logistics management is greatly affected by the inability or the failure to embrace, adopt and integrate new and emerging technology and its approach into the logistics management system. Majority of the respondents also indicated that in general the adequacy of inventory management system was dissatisfied representing 63.8% of the total respondents. The construction industry not only needed to improve its inventory management systems but also to ensure appropriate inventory management techniques for enhancing high degree of accuracy, reduced cycle times and replenishment of stock. This usually accounts for the poor delivery and quality of work, accompanied with delays and other associated losses in project construction. For effective Logistics management to be achieved in the construction industry, the introduction of modern technology to carry out logistics functions in the construction industry should be paramount to the industry players.

The Application of Ecological Elements of Digital Technology in Construction Industry

The application of digital technology in the field of construction is still in its infancy, and the existing concrete framework of digital technology application in the construction industry and the study of applied ecological elements are not enough. The ecological elements of digital technology application in the construction industry are important factors that promote the healthy operation of the entire digital technology application ecosystem. Using grounded theory, we compiled the data of 33 researchers who participated in semi-structured interviews, and obtained 4 main categories and 9 sub-categories of ecological elements of digital technology application in the construction industry. Among them, the digital technology application mechanism is the core category of ecological application elements. We also used the Bass model to analyze the application trend of digital technology in the construction industry. In 2040, the number of construction companies applying digital technology will reach 98.66% of the maximum market potential.

Accounts receivable management research, take the construction industry for example

Accounts receivables are amounts that customers owe on account, which resulting from sale goods and services. Compames generally expect to collect accounts receivable within 30 to 60 days. Sales and profits can be increased by granting customers the privileges of making payment a month or more after the date of sale. The accounts receivable play significant important role in company＇ s flow of funds, lots of companies was bankrupted and going bankrupt because capital turnover is so bad in reality, so that how to strength the management of the accounts receivable becomes the key in the process of making the industry survive and develop. Especially the construction industry, it will produce a large amount of the accounts receivable because of the it ＇ s own character of whole industry. This text will to come up with the corresponding countermeasure by analyzing accounts receivable management situation and the influence to companies and forming causes.

Leading for Sustainability in the Brazilian Construction Industry

This article analyzes the major stakeholders in the Brazilian construction industry from the viewpoint of the companies in this sector, as well as how these organizations relate to their stakeholders with regard to the topic of sustainability in the construction. The study was based on the principle that the relationship with stakeholders is one of the foundations for the inception and continuity of activities toward sustainability. The findings of which show that the construction companies start the sustainability implementation process without the involvement of external stakeholders. This survey points out the difficulty faced by Brazilian construction companies in relating to their stakeholders. There is the perception that the customers and other actors do not value sustainability-oriented activities, but, at the same time, the relationship of the companies with these stakeholders is limited to disclosure of information. This characteristic of the industry reveals a need for sustainability projects that take into consideration, since their formulation, the stakeholders’ perceptions. The importance of this article lies in the recognition that, although the topic of sustainability is discussed at all levels, studies that examine how specific construction industries have been dealing with it are still rare.

Carbon Emission Measurement and Regional Difference Analysis of China's Construction Industry

Green and low-carbon development of construction industry is one of the important ways to achieve the"dual carbon"goal in China.This study first measured the carbon emissions of the construction industry in 30 provinces in China,and then used the Dagum Gini coefficient and its decomposition method to explore the regional differences and sources of carbon emissions of the construction industry in China.The results show that the carbon emissions of construction industry in China generally show an upward trend,and there are significant differences in carbon emissions of construction industry among provinces,and the main source of regional differences is inter-regional differences.However,the contribution rate of inter-regional differences showed a significant downward trend,while the contribution rate of hyperbolic density increased day by day,and the contribution rate of intra-regional differences increased slightly.The results of this study will provide a reference for China to formulate more reasonable carbon emission reduction targets and differentiation strategies for the construction industry.

Application of Bioengineering in Construction

Bio-cement and bio-concrete are innovative solutions for sustainable construction, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the durability and versatility of building materials. Bio-cement is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cement, produced through Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP), which mimics natural biomineralization processes. This method reduces CO2 emissions and enhances the strength and durability of construction materials. Bio-concrete incorporates bio-cement into concrete, creating a self-healing material. When cracks form in bio-concrete, dormant bacteria within the material become active in the presence of water, producing limestone to fill the cracks, extending the material’s lifespan and reducing the need for repairs. The environmental impact of traditional cement production is significant, with cement generation accounting for up to 8% of global carbon emissions. Creative solutions are needed to develop more sustainable construction materials, with some efforts using modern innovations to make concrete ultra-durable and others turning to science to create affordable bio-cement. The research demonstrates the potential of bio-cement to revolutionize sustainable building practices by offering a low-energy, low-emission alternative to traditional cement while also addressing environmental concerns. The findings suggest promising applications in various construction scenarios, including earthquake-prone areas, by enhancing material durability and longevity through self-repair mechanisms.

Systematic literature review on smart contracts in the construction industry: Potentials,benefits, and challenges

The development of digital transformation in the construction industry has led to the increasing adoption of smart contracts.As programmable applications to automatically write,verify,and enforce transaction conditions,smart contracts can be used in different areas mainly to improve automation level,information security,and built digital environment enhancement.However,the smart contract is commonly mentioned as a blockchain appendage,while its unique connotation and value in the construction industry have not been recognized.Therefore,this study carries out a systematic review based on 81 research articles published from 2014 to 2021 on smart contract applications in construction to explore and highlight their potentials under domain-specific requirements.Results are analyzed according to research type categorization and domain codification.Eight research domains are identified,where the three most highly explored domains are contract and payment,supply chain and logistics,and information management.The integration of smart contracts with other innovative concepts and advanced technologies is analyzed.The applicability,benefits,and challenges of smart contract applications regarding different research domains are discussed.