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.

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.

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.

Claims in International Construction Contract: A Case Study

Claims in international civil engineering projects sometimes will have impact on implementing the contract successfully. in order to observe and evaluate the contract claim situation and give guideline to all the contractual roles to settle the claims comfortably, this paper devote the research and literate review to find the key problems in contract claim management and give recommendation accordingly. With this focused objective, this paper presents a research analysis based on randomly selected data from international construction organization. The contract claim case studies analyzed by sampling survey scientific research method that follows a research strategy of specific to general. In the beginning, the paper analyzes the elements of contract claim administration,and then provides the general overview of the contract claim. Finally, it numerates the claim causes usage through cases studies under different contract condition of FIDIC. In addition to these discussions, analysis of other secondary data and recommendations forwarded to explain how claims should handle properly. During the thesis research period,there were 14 simple random selected projects have been studied as a case studies. From studied projects,the time extension in average, exceed 117.7% of its original contract completion time and the cost compensation increase 34.8% comparing to its initial contract value. Thus, the main causes of the majority contract claim problem lies on the failure in contract claim management and on unforeseen circumstance like variation, adverse climate, right of way problems, etc. Finally this thesis contributes to the improvement of contract claim management construction industry and open ways for further researches related to claim management.

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.

Cost Control Strategies in the Pre-Construction Period of Highway Construction

Effective cost control in the investment and design phases of highway construction is crucial for managing project expenses.However,current management practices often overlook pre-construction cost management,leading to budget overruns and project delays during later stages.To ensure the smooth execution and cost control of highway construction projects,this paper examines the significance of cost control,evaluates the current state and challenges of highway construction,and proposes strategies for cost management.These strategies aim to establish a robust foundation for cost management in highway projects.

Improving construction performance through supply chain management

A typical model of construction supply chain (CSC) is presented firstly. Then the characteristics and problems of CSC are identified. The authors also describe the progress towards adoption of supply chain management (SCM) in the construction industry. Traditional construction management approaches (CMAs) are compared with new SCM-based CMAs. The authors suggest that integrated SCM based on cooperating competition is crucial to improve construction performance. Based on relevant results from related research, a framework for integrated construction supply chain management (CSCM) is developed to guide the effective implementation of SCM in construction.

Strategies for Sustainable Environmental Management of Construction Activities in Ghana

The Ghanaian construction industry continues to improve by the recent intensification of infrastructure development by government and the private sector. Nonetheless, this is happening with a strong focus on economic development to the detriment of the environment these activities affect. This paper focuses on identifying the strategies by which sustainable environmental management could be structured to mitigate the impact of construction activities in Ghana. A mixed-method research approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 83 practitioners in the construction industry, while qualitative data were elicited from 18 Construction and Environmental Management practitioners. The mean scores indicated that all the 20 strategies for integrating environmental concerns into construction activities in Ghana were considered significant by the respondents. The empirical findings of the study indicate that for environmental concerns to be effectively integrated into construction activities in Ghana, a concerted effort will be required from the various actors within the construction industry. These include the role of clients in selecting environmentally conscious service providers, designers focusing on environmentally friendly construction materials and methods, reduce, recycling and reuse of waste materials, the commitment of government towards sustainable development, and well-structured educational campaigns to promote environmentally sustainable construction activities.

The Impact of State Policies on Investment Project Management in Polish Industrial Construction Sector

In this paper,we discuss the influence of economic,environmental and legal policies of the state on the management of investment projects in the area of industrial construction in Poland.Our empirical study relies on conducting a questionnaire survey.A total of 158 Polish companies dealing with industrial construction took part in the survey.Then,the collected questionnaires were subjected to a thorough analysis and interpretation,with the use of a method called the exploratory factor analysis(EFA).Our research reveals the key factors influencing successful investment project management in the Polish industrial construction sector.These factors have been identified as the“availability of technology in a stable political system”,“stability of the economic and tax systems”,“stable social system policy,stability and transparency of the legal system”and a“well-targeted environmental policy”.A key conclusion that can be drawn from our study is that an efficient management of investment projects in the industrial construction industry is significantly influenced by properly shaped and stable economic,environmental,and legal policies of the state.

Measures for the Construction Cost Budget and Settlement Audit

With the deep and sustainable development of the market economy,the competitive environment and development pattern faced by China’s construction industry are becoming more and more severe.In this context,construction projects should actively incorporate the development trends of the market economy and focus on analyzing relevant influencing factors and risk content.Considering previous experience,the audit effect of construction project budget and settlement has a major impact on the quality and economic benefit of construction projects to a certain extent.In view of this,this paper mainly focuses on the content and method of the construction cost budget and settlement audit as well as suggests measures for the construction cost budget and settlement audit,so as to improve the construction cost management level.

Risk Assessment at the Design Phase of Construction Projects in Ghana

The study was carried out exclusively in Ghana to explore the approaches employed by consultants in risk assessment at the design phase of projects in Ghana. One hundred and fourteen (114) consultants were selected out of a population of one hundred and eighty six (186) from three main professional associations in Ghana made up of the Ghana Institute of Architects, Ghana Institution of Engineers and the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (Quantity Surveying Division) practicing in Ghana for the study. Both primary and secondary data were collected. A descriptive survey was also used to observe and describe the presence, frequency or absence of characteristics of a phenomenon as it naturally occurred, in order to gain additional information. A questionnaire was also designed to collect data from the architects, engineers and quantity surveyors. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Scientists (SPSS) 17.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics, such as frequency tables, percentages and cross tabulations were used in the data analysis and summaries. Simple tests of associations were undertaken by using Chi square and Cramer’s V statistics to compare relationships between variables. Again, relative importance index was also used to analyze some of the data by computing to deduce their rankings. The relative importance index was used to analyze some of the data by computing to deduce their rankings. The research revealed that majority of consultants had an average knowledge of risk management. Based on the findings it was recommended that consultants undergo advanced training in risk assessment. It was therefore suggested that consultancy firms should develop a set of laid down procedures for consultants to use in risk assessment in order that the use of intuition employed by majority is lessened. The challenges observed in risk assessment and the remedial steps suggested curtailing the detrimental effects of risks would be of wide importance to many developing economies.

Research on Contract Management and Control in the Process of Project Cost

In the current economic situation, strengthening the contract management of the construction cost has a beautifully role. At the same time, according to construction project cost management, the scientific management of the contract, can promote the reasonable and balanced investment cost allocation in the quality and safety and other aspects of the project, so that the construction project can obtain higher added value, and to further promote China＇ s economic construction and accelerate the pace of the city. This paper first briefly elaborates our construction project cost of the contract management on the present situation, and some problems are analyzed and discussed, and then puts forward some suggestions on the measures and countermeasures for cost management of construction engineering contract.

《工业企业生态文明建设管理体系规范》研究与探索

本文论述了研究与制定《工业企业生态文明建设管理体系规范》标准的背景和意义、工业企业生态文明建设的内涵及管理体系的构建思路,以及《工业企业生态文明建设管理体系规范》的核心技术内容。重点关注针对工业企业生态文明建设目标责任体系、生态制度体系、生态安全体系、生态经济体系、生态文化体系等核心主题及其相关实质性议题的策划、运行控制、绩效评价和持续改进。

基于产教融合的生物与制药企业工程管理课程建设与实践

天津大学化工学院生物工程专业在2023版本科教学培养方案修订过程中,拟增设1门结合现代企业管理理念和专业企业特色的专业限选课程——生物与制药企业工程管理。该课程的设立旨在将现代企业管理理念与生物工程领域的专业知识相结合,为学生提供必要的企业工程知识。课程将教授学生如何培养相应的道德与价值观、工程素养和科学素养,以及如何将工程管理学原理应用于生物工程实践,课程内容将涵盖项目管理、风险评估、质量控制和成本分析等关键领域,并通过案例分析、模拟演练和实地考察等教学方法,使学生能够将理论知识与实践相结合。该课程有助于学生培养出解决实际工程管理问题的能力,为将来在生物与制药行业的工程管理岗位上工作做好准备。

强制压力下组织结构对建筑管理团队安全氛围的影响

为了从组织层面探究提升安全氛围的策略,基于组织理论和制度理论提出了以组织结构(正规化、专业化、集权化)为自变量、强制压力为调节变量、安全氛围为因变量的理论模型,以建筑行业管理人员为样本收集有效问卷266份,采用偏最小二乘法结构方程模型(Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling,PLS-SEM)进行理论模型的验证。结果表明:正规化、专业化正向影响安全氛围;集权化对安全氛围的影响不显著;强制压力正向调节正规化、专业化对安全氛围的影响。研究为建筑企业从组织层面以及政府、行业协会从制度环境角度提高安全氛围提供了理论依据。

工业遗产改造项目施工部署研究

鉴于环境复杂性、技术挑战多样性和施工特殊性,工业遗产改造项目对进度、资源、质量、技术、安全等方面都提出了高要求。依托杭钢遗址改造项目案例,通过样板引路确保了施工前的充分交底和实施难点的前置解决,并精心策划了成品保护措施,从而大幅减少了后期的返工整改和修补工作。从超危大技术管理以及消隐处理两方面,对现场技术安全管理进行加强,在确保项目顺利推进的同时,显著提高了项目的建造品质,为项目的成功奠定了坚实的基础。

融合行业信息案例的“建设工程招投标与合同管理实务”课程改革探究

作为工程管理类专业中必修的专业课程,“建设工程招投标与合同管理实务”知识在各大工程项目中都有所应用。但由于此课程天然存在知识驳杂、文本量大、理论多、政策更新快等特征,因此在实践教学中该课程的教学难度很大,学生的学习兴趣也相对较差。本文围绕将行业信息案例融合“建设工程招投标与合同管理实务”课程的具体方法进行探讨分析,意在借用职业资格考试的教学内容,解决传统教材更新较慢的问题,并拓展教师的知识储备,借助行业真实工作案例,利用信息技术创建工程招投标案例数据库,为教学过程提供更多实践机会,研究表明,该方法对于学生的课堂表现和最终成绩都有着良好的效果,具备大范围推广的条件。

PDCA循环在LNG项目建造计划管理中的应用

随着世界各国强力推进二氧化碳减排工作,国际液化天然气行业规模在不断增大,如何确保按期推进LNG项目建造,对于国内工程公司抢占国际市场份额尤为重要。在众多管理工具中,PDCA(循环模型又称戴明循环)循环管理采用的是一种持续改进与进步的管理方式,它通过计划、实施、检查审核、处理完善四个阶段,来提高工程管理水平。文章就LNG项目建造计划管理中的运用进行简单的分析,从PDCA循环管理出发,对LNG项目建造中常见的问题进行阐述,并对PDCA循环管理在LNG项目建造各阶段中如何运用进行了详细的说明。

业财融合视角下高校财务智能建设实践探索

加强高校财务智能建设,推动业财融合,是推进高校建设提质增效的必要途径。当前,高校财务智能建设存在财务信息化系统不完善、跨部门系统间数据联动性不足、财务档案电子化程度低、财务智能专业人才缺乏等问题。G高校在强化传统的核算和监督职能的基础上,着眼于业财融合视角,通过完善财务信息系统、实现业财系统联动、加快电子档案建设、加强专业人才培养等实践探索,利用信息技术手段做实“业财融合”,实现财务与业务的双向协调,推动高校财务工作向智能化转型,提高财务管理效能,助力高校科教事业高水平发展。

标准化建设促进核工业企业管理创新研究

随着全球经济的快速发展,企业面临着越来越多的竞争压力和市场需求的不断变化。为了在激烈的市场竞争中保持竞争优势,企业必须不断地进行管理创新。标准化建设作为管理创新的一种重要手段,在提高企业管理水平和效率方面发挥着重要作用。本文通过对标准化建设与企业管理创新的关系进行分析,总结了标准化建设对于企业管理创新的重要作用,并提出了相关建议和措施,对于加强核工业企业的标准化建设,促进管理创新具有重要的指导意义。