Browsing by Author "Mahesh, G."

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A framework for enhancing construction safety through knowledge-based safety culture indicators
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2023) Deepak, D.; Mahesh, G.
Many studies have indicated that positive safety culture in workplace environment could reduce occurrence of accidents. Yet, there is a lack of consensus on indicators pertaining to good practices, methods, and improvement strategies related to safety culture. Therefore, this study aims to identify the current state and development needs of the level of safety culture and suggests improvement by benchmarking through knowledge-based safety culture indicators. In this study, a qualitative research approach was adopted using open-ended interview questions to professionals from reputed construction organizations. The collected data was analyzed to summarize these interview responses highlighting the key indicators required to formulate a knowledge-based improvement framework for construction organizations. Results of the interview are analyzed and an improvement framework of overall safety culture is suggested. This framework proposes a different approach by focusing on the development needs of proactive safety culture pertaining to key knowledge-based indicators relevant for construction organizations. Further, this framework could be the basis to provide a holistic understanding of measuring safety culture to assess the level of safety culture in organizations. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
AN ONTOLOGY-DRIVEN BI-DIRECTIONAL WORKFLOW FOR INTEGRATING PROJECT MANAGEMENT DATA INTO THE IFC STANDARD
(International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction, 2025) Kone, V.; Mahesh, G.
The evolution of Building Information Modelling (BIM) towards a data-centric paradigm is often hindered by challenges in semantic interoperability, particularly when integrating project management data with the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard. While IFC enables syntactic data exchange, a persistent gap exists dynamically linking building geometry with the complex, relational information of project schedules, resources, and costs in a semantically consistent, interoperable manner. This paper presents a novel, bi-directional methodology that leverages Semantic Web technologies (RDF, OWL, SPARQL) to address this challenge. The core of the methodology is an ontology-driven workflow that uses two purpose-built ontologies: BIMOnto, a lightweight representation of the building asset derived from if cOWL, and IproK (Integrated Project Knowledge Ontology), which formally structures project management information across schedule, resource, and cost domains. The workflow enables both directions: (1) transforming IFC models into queryable knowledge graphs, and (2) programmatically generating new, enriched IFC models from unified knowledge graphs. This reverse transformation creates native, standards-compliant IFC entities for tasks (IfcTask), resources (IfcResource), costs (IfcCostItem), and their standard relationships (IfcRelAssignsToProduct, etc.), moving beyond custom property sets. The feasibility and effectiveness of this approach are validated through a case study using a multi-story residential building model, demonstrating the successful generation of a verifiable, integrated BIM artifact. The findings show that this ontology-driven framework significantly enhances data integration, creating truly interoperable models where process data becomes a first-class citizen within the BIM environment, advancing the potential for more intelligent, data-centric BIM practices throughout the project lifecycle. © © 2025 The author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Analysis of Sources of Claims in Residential Real Estate Asset Delivery
(American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 2024) Krishnamurthy, A.D.; Mahesh, G.
Residential real estate sector in India plays a pivotal role in supplying living accommodation to meet the ever-rising demand for housing. In the Indian context, the growth in housing supply has always lagged behind the demand. The present study examines the residential real estate sector to identify recurrent sources of claims hampering efficient delivery of housing assets. In mass urban housing supply by private real estate promoters/developers, 19 key factors reflective of the absence of time-bound, cost-certain and scope-adherent delivery of residential assets were identified. Following this, a questionnaire survey was undertaken to gain the viewpoints of relevant sector-specific stakeholders on the identified factors. Statistical analyses were subsequently conducted to arrive at key claim-causing factors bearing relevance to deficient housing delivery in India. Assessment of the viewpoints of a diverse set of real estate stakeholders pointed toward the presence of significant deterrents in the form of delays and cost-escalators, leading to unavoidable claims and litigation between residential real estate promoters/developers and consumers. The findings indicate the pressing need to optimize residential real estate asset delivery in India through the addressing of recurrent claims with respect to delays and cost-escalation. © 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
Assigning weights for modified project Quarter Back Rating based construction project performance model
(2019) Ingle, P.V.; Mahesh, G.
The Indian construction industry is facing challenges due to performance shortfalls. The construction projects are highly complex, distinctive, fragmented and do not have of well-established performance assessment models to evaluate their project success. Assessing overall project success is not possible to measure by single factor. To address this limitation, the Modified Project Quarter Back Rating (PQR) model was developed for the Indian construction industry. Modified PQR model's output is a project score based on performance areas affecting project success and outcome. The model integrates ten performance areas that have identified through literature review. Performance areas included in the model are; (i) Cost (ii) Schedule (iii) Stakeholder satisfaction (iv) Safety (v) Quality (vi) Finance (vii) Environment (viii) Communication and collaboration (ix) Customer relation and (x) Productivity. These performance areas are measured through different performance metrics; i.e. performance metrics scores are aggregated to compute performance area scores. The model gives a single score that will help in comparing overall performance for different projects. This paper attempted to highlight the importance of performance metrics in modified Project Quarter Back Rating (PQR) based construction project performance assessment model for the Indian construction industry. The validity of the model needs assigning appropriate weights to the performance metrics as the weightage determines the relevance. Appropriate weights were determined using two round Delphi survey with 12 experts. Findings reveal that two performance metrics; return business from customer relation and OSHA recordable from safety have high weights. This modified PQR model will help key participants of the industry to compare the performance of various projects and to monitor performance areas that impact project performance rating. International Journal of Mathematical, Engineering and Management Sciences.
Assigning weights for modified project Quarter Back Rating based construction project performance model
(International Journal of Mathematical, Engineering and Management Sciences, 2019) Ingle, P.V.; Mahesh, G.
The Indian construction industry is facing challenges due to performance shortfalls. The construction projects are highly complex, distinctive, fragmented and do not have of well-established performance assessment models to evaluate their project success. Assessing overall project success is not possible to measure by single factor. To address this limitation, the Modified Project Quarter Back Rating (PQR) model was developed for the Indian construction industry. Modified PQR model's output is a project score based on performance areas affecting project success and outcome. The model integrates ten performance areas that have identified through literature review. Performance areas included in the model are; (i) Cost (ii) Schedule (iii) Stakeholder satisfaction (iv) Safety (v) Quality (vi) Finance (vii) Environment (viii) Communication and collaboration (ix) Customer relation and (x) Productivity. These performance areas are measured through different performance metrics; i.e. performance metrics scores are aggregated to compute performance area scores. The model gives a single score that will help in comparing overall performance for different projects. This paper attempted to highlight the importance of performance metrics in modified Project Quarter Back Rating (PQR) based construction project performance assessment model for the Indian construction industry. The validity of the model needs assigning appropriate weights to the performance metrics as the weightage determines the relevance. Appropriate weights were determined using two round Delphi survey with 12 experts. Findings reveal that two performance metrics; return business from customer relation and OSHA recordable from safety have high weights. This modified PQR model will help key participants of the industry to compare the performance of various projects and to monitor performance areas that impact project performance rating. © International Journal of Mathematical, Engineering and Management Sciences.
Body of Knowledge in Developing and Implementing Construction Industry Improvement Programs
(World Scientific Publishing Co., 2023) Mahesh, G.; Mengistu, D.G.; Kumaraswamy, M.M.
Construction project performance is influenced by industry-wide issues, such as the business environment, sector-specific drivers and challenges, and country-specific issues. Imperatives for addressing such industrylevel issues have led to industry improvement programs formulated and implemented by high-powered government-industry teams across the developed and developing countries. Despite these initiatives, the industry has yet to significantly improve its performance and image. The overarching goal of this chapter is to identify common core components and potentially critical elements of a Body of Knowledge (BoK) in developing and implementing Construction Industry Improvement Programs (CIIPs), with a particular focus on applying it to developing countries. In developing the BoK, CIIPs in Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and a few other countries are reviewed to identify important BoK themes. Lessons learnt and challenges unveiled from implementation and status reviews in the above jurisdictions are also discussed. The findings are compared with specific improvement programs and requirements of developing countries, with examples from India, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka, so as to initiate development of the targeted BoK, that could hereafter help improve the planning and implementation of construction industry reform programs in developing countries in particular. The identified knowledge areas of CIIPs are: (i) Manpower Development, (ii) Enhancing Capacity, (iii) Institution Building, (iv) Improving Practices, and (v) Planning for Smoother Demand. The status of these knowledge areas and/or their components determines project performance. For example, the availability and competence of manpower in the industry affects productivity and hence the schedule performance of projects. Similarly, the capacity of construction firms affects most of the project performance parameters, such as the schedule, cost, and quality. While the specifics of these issues are addressed in other book chapters, it is clear that enabling optimal project performance and boosting project management maturity at the industry/national level calls for holistic industry improvements and overall, rather than piecemeal, developments. © 2023 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
Building integrated project and asset management teams for sustainable built infrastructure development
(2014) Wong, K.K.W.; Kumaraswamy, M.; Mahesh, G.; Ling, F.Y.Y.
Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relevance of the relationally integrated value networks (RIVANS) concept for integrating project management (PM) and asset management (AM) for total asset management (TAM). The specific objectives are to test the RIVANS for TAM concept postulated by Kumaraswamy (2011) and Kumaraswamy et al. (2012); discover ways to enable PM and AM teams to work in an integrated manner; and recommend strategies and operational measures to promote greater team integration in the industry. Design/methodology/approach This study is based in Hong Kong with parallel studies in the UK, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Through a comprehensive questionnaire, a case study on an organization engaged in both design and construction and operations and maintenance (O&M) works, interviews and hosting a workshop (all conducted with experienced industry practitioners and experts), a set of recommendations are derived to guide the industry toward greater team integration. Findings Early involvement of O&M staff is important for better anticipating obstacles and learning from past experiences, but PM and AM teams generally work independently with limited interaction. Priorities of the stakeholders are often different. Knowledge management is increasingly important, but knowledge sharing is not always a priority. The three focus areas in the set of recommendations developed from Hong Kong are: organizational/management structure, procurement strategies and operational mechanisms; fostering culture of team building and providing additional means of communication; and informal communication tools. Originality/value There has been little research into the communication, interaction and integration between PM and AM priorities and teams. However, increasing industry emphasis on sustainable buildings, end-user satisfaction and designing for maintainability dictates that PM and AM teams must work closer together, hence the imperative for mapping useful directions to be pursued. 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Building integrated project and asset management teams for sustainable built infrastructure development
(Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. Howard House Wagon Lane, Bingley BD16 1WA, 2014) Wong, K.K.W.; Kumaraswamy, M.; Mahesh, G.; Ling, F.Y.Y.
Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the relevance of the relationally integrated value networks (RIVANS) concept for integrating project management (PM) and asset management (AM) for total asset management (TAM). The specific objectives are to test the RIVANS for TAM concept postulated by Kumaraswamy (2011) and Kumaraswamy et al. (2012); discover ways to enable PM and AM teams to work in an integrated manner; and recommend strategies and operational measures to promote greater team integration in the industry. Design/methodology/approach – This study is based in Hong Kong with parallel studies in the UK, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Through a comprehensive questionnaire, a case study on an organization engaged in both design and construction and operations and maintenance (O&M) works, interviews and hosting a workshop (all conducted with experienced industry practitioners and experts), a set of recommendations are derived to guide the industry toward greater team integration. Findings – Early involvement of O&M staff is important for better anticipating obstacles and learning from past experiences, but PM and AM teams generally work independently with limited interaction. Priorities of the stakeholders are often different. Knowledge management is increasingly important, but knowledge sharing is not always a priority. The three focus areas in the set of recommendations developed from Hong Kong are: organizational/management structure, procurement strategies and operational mechanisms; fostering culture of team building and providing additional means of communication; and informal communication tools. Originality/value – There has been little research into the communication, interaction and integration between PM and AM priorities and teams. However, increasing industry emphasis on sustainable buildings, end-user satisfaction and designing for maintainability dictates that PM and AM teams must work closer together, hence the imperative for mapping useful directions to be pursued. © 2014, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Challenges in developing the Ethiopian construction industry
(2019) Mengistu, D.G.; Mahesh, G.
To ensure continual improvement in the construction industry s performance, its challenges must be identified so that integrated solutions that suit the context can be provided. The Ethiopian construction industry, like that in most developing countries, faces challenges that impede its development. This paper assesses four categories of challenges facing the industry, based on their sources: variables emanating from role of government, resource related variables, those related to the nature of the industry and variables emanating from the vision of the industry itself for its own development. Data for the study were collected through a questionnaire survey. Professionals from different background, such as contractors, consultants, clients, regulatory authority and academics were engaged in the survey. Mean score was used to identify the perceived impact level of the variables. Significant variables were identified and factor analysis was conducted to identify the underlying dimensions of the different sources. The major challenges are identified as: (i) delay in construction industry development (CID) policy implementation and corruption; (ii) weak capacity of contractors and consultants; (iii) lack of collaboration and professionalism; and (iv) lack of benchmarking CID practice from role of government, resource related variables, nature of the industry and industry s vision for its own development, respectively. Findings provide information that stakeholders can use to make informed decisions and critical interventions for the effective development of the industry. 2019, 2019 African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development.
Challenges in developing the Ethiopian construction industry
(Taylor and Francis Ltd. michael.wagreich@univie.ac.at, 2020) Mengistu, D.G.; Mahesh, G.
To ensure continual improvement in the construction industry’s performance, its challenges must be identified so that integrated solutions that suit the context can be provided. The Ethiopian construction industry, like that in most developing countries, faces challenges that impede its development. This paper assesses four categories of challenges facing the industry, based on their sources: variables emanating from role of government, resource related variables, those related to the nature of the industry and variables emanating from the vision of the industry itself for its own development. Data for the study were collected through a questionnaire survey. Professionals from different background, such as contractors, consultants, clients, regulatory authority and academics were engaged in the survey. Mean score was used to identify the perceived impact level of the variables. Significant variables were identified and factor analysis was conducted to identify the underlying dimensions of the different sources. The major challenges are identified as: (i) delay in construction industry development (CID) policy implementation and corruption; (ii) weak capacity of contractors and consultants; (iii) lack of collaboration and professionalism; and (iv) lack of benchmarking CID practice from role of government, resource related variables, nature of the industry and industry’s vision for its own development, respectively. Findings provide information that stakeholders can use to make informed decisions and critical interventions for the effective development of the industry. © 2019, © 2019 African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development.
Comparative Study on the Personnel Performance Appraisal Systems Between Construction and Information Technology Industries
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Kowshik, C.N.; Mahesh, G.; Ingle, P.V.; Patil, S.V.; Patil, R.B.
Personnel Performance Appraisal (PPA) involves systematically evaluating the employeeâ€™s performance in the workplace. The purpose of PPA is to identify an individualâ€™s strengths and weaknesses, which impact the overall performance of the organization. The construction sector is commonly perceived as an unorganized industry. This paper compares the PPA systems of a Construction Organization (CO) and information technology (service-based) organization and explores potential solutions for continuous improvement. The study utilizes case studies and incorporates semi-structured interviews with Information Technology (IT) professionals and construction professionals. Documented reviews and semi-structured interviews are meticulously documented, recorded, and transcribed. The gathered data are recapitulated and depicted based on recurring topics. Given that both construction and IT organizations operate within a project-based culture, the disparities, and similarities between their respective PPA practices are identified. It becomes apparent that employees in the IT organization possess a clear understanding of the PPA process and its relevance, whereas this cognizance appears to be deficient within the CO. Notwithstanding the implementation of PPA in the CO, this comparative analysis indicates that there is potential for enhancement. Â© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.
Concurrent Delay Analysis: Methods, Case Law, and Expert Perception
(2020) Munvar, C.; Mengistu, D.G.; Mahesh, G.
Concurrent delays in a project schedule are due to two or more independent delay events occurring during the same time period. There arise difficulties in attributing responsibility for these delays and in deciding the manner in which they are to be dealt with, as they are typically complex and intertwined. While various approaches and professional guidelines are followed internationally, a thorough study in the Indian context is lacking. Hence, it is essential to recognize the nature and effects of concurrent delays that the Indian industry is facing. In this regard, cases in India were analyzed to understand the nature of concurrent delays, strategies adopted, and legal issues. Also, a survey of arbitrators and professionals with experience in delay disputes was conducted to (1) identify current approaches to concurrent delays in India and (2) determine the appropriateness of and challenges in applying approaches from the literature. In India, shortfalls exist in project management processes and protocols. Also, documentation and information management systems are poor. These failings act as barriers to adopting advanced global practices. In this regard, the findings of this work are expected to help in standardizing approaches to concurrent delay analysis and in streamlining necessary process protocols in the Indian construction industry. 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
Concurrent Delay Analysis: Methods, Case Law, and Expert Perception
(American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) onlinejls@asce.org 1801 Alexander Bell DriveGEO Reston VA 20191 Alabama, 2020) Munvar, C.; Mengistu, D.G.; Mahesh, G.
Concurrent delays in a project schedule are due to two or more independent delay events occurring during the same time period. There arise difficulties in attributing responsibility for these delays and in deciding the manner in which they are to be dealt with, as they are typically complex and intertwined. While various approaches and professional guidelines are followed internationally, a thorough study in the Indian context is lacking. Hence, it is essential to recognize the nature and effects of concurrent delays that the Indian industry is facing. In this regard, cases in India were analyzed to understand the nature of concurrent delays, strategies adopted, and legal issues. Also, a survey of arbitrators and professionals with experience in delay disputes was conducted to (1) identify current approaches to concurrent delays in India and (2) determine the appropriateness of and challenges in applying approaches from the literature. In India, shortfalls exist in project management processes and protocols. Also, documentation and information management systems are poor. These failings act as barriers to adopting advanced global practices. In this regard, the findings of this work are expected to help in standardizing approaches to concurrent delay analysis and in streamlining necessary process protocols in the Indian construction industry. © 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
Construction education in Ethiopia: Knowledge and skills level attained and effectiveness of internship program
(2019) Mengistu, D.G.; Mahesh, G.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate knowledge and skills level of final-year students of undergraduate construction programs in Ethiopia and assess the effectiveness of internship and its coordination under these programs. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-methods approach is used in this study. Data were collected through two separate questionnaires, completed by students and company supervisors (professionals having experience in supervising internship students). Interviews were held with university instructors to supplement findings of the questionnaire. Findings: The findings show the students have performance shortfalls in most of the required knowledge areas. A significant correlation was found between students self-evaluation and supervisors evaluation rankings. It was also found that both students and industry perceive the internship to have benefited them. However, the coordination of internship program was found unsatisfactory. These findings indicate there is a room for improvement in the curricula and coordination of internship program. Originality/value: As performance of the construction industry (CI) is associated with the competence of professionals, it is important to assess the knowledge and skills level of students, and internship coordination for the effective development of CI. Hence, the findings of this paper will help academic institutes to review their curricula and improve their internship coordination mechanism. It has implication for industry organizations in indicating knowledge and skills gap of entry-level professionals which could be filled through training. It may also invite other researchers in the country to focus on construction education for betterment of the CI. 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Construction education in Ethiopia: Knowledge and skills level attained and effectiveness of internship program
(Emerald Group Holdings Ltd., 2019) Mengistu, D.G.; Mahesh, G.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate knowledge and skills level of final-year students of undergraduate construction programs in Ethiopia and assess the effectiveness of internship and its coordination under these programs. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-methods approach is used in this study. Data were collected through two separate questionnaires, completed by students and company supervisors (professionals having experience in supervising internship students). Interviews were held with university instructors to supplement findings of the questionnaire. Findings: The findings show the students have performance shortfalls in most of the required knowledge areas. A significant correlation was found between students’ self-evaluation and supervisors’ evaluation rankings. It was also found that both students and industry perceive the internship to have benefited them. However, the coordination of internship program was found unsatisfactory. These findings indicate there is a room for improvement in the curricula and coordination of internship program. Originality/value: As performance of the construction industry (CI) is associated with the competence of professionals, it is important to assess the knowledge and skills level of students, and internship coordination for the effective development of CI. Hence, the findings of this paper will help academic institutes to review their curricula and improve their internship coordination mechanism. It has implication for industry organizations in indicating knowledge and skills gap of entry-level professionals which could be filled through training. It may also invite other researchers in the country to focus on construction education for betterment of the CI. © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Construction project performance areas for Indian construction projects
(2020) Ingle, P.V.; Mahesh, G.
Project management team always aims for successful outcome of construction projects. Time, cost and quality are performance areas which most of the researchers have acknowledged. However, there are other performance areas which are important in modern project management. The aim of the paper is to determine performance areas affecting the Indian construction industry. A comprehensive literature review was deployed to finalize a list of performance areas that affect project performance. A survey instrument was developed to gather data on the perception of industry professionals on the identified areas. The data collected was analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). The results revealed 10 performance areas for project performance namely, customer relation, safety, schedule, cost, quality, productivity, finance, communication and collaboration, environment and stakeholder satisfaction. The validity of all performance areas was established by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using partial least square test structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results of this paper can serve as guidelines in the field of construction management towards improving project performance. 2020, 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Construction project performance areas for Indian construction projects
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2022) Ingle, P.V.; Mahesh, G.
Project management team always aims for successful outcome of construction projects. Time, cost and quality are performance areas which most of the researchers have acknowledged. However, there are other performance areas which are important in modern project management. The aim of the paper is to determine performance areas affecting the Indian construction industry. A comprehensive literature review was deployed to finalize a list of performance areas that affect project performance. A survey instrument was developed to gather data on the perception of industry professionals on the identified areas. The data collected was analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). The results revealed 10 performance areas for project performance namely, customer relation, safety, schedule, cost, quality, productivity, finance, communication and collaboration, environment and stakeholder satisfaction. The validity of all performance areas was established by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using partial least square test–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results of this paper can serve as guidelines in the field of construction management towards improving project performance. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Consumer Centricity as a Delivery Strategy for Assets in the Real Estate Sector: An Analysis of the Framework and Interpretation of Law
(American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 2023) Krishnamurthy, A.D.; Mahesh, G.
Consumer centricity (C-C) in the Indian real estate sector has gained prominence since the introduction of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act in 2016. For a growing economy such as India's, with significant dependence on the construction industry to catalyze economic development, real estate consumerism is of vital importance to spearhead growth in the construction industry. This study critically examined the positioning of consumers in the Indian real estate sector over the years and to date in order to identify areas requiring interventions. Within the framework of the law, key factors defining and contributing to consumer centricity with regard to the delivery of real estate assets were identified. Various real estate sector-specific statutes were traced back along a timeline; they were assessed for the presence of the identified consumer-centric factors. The changes in legislative intent over time were coupled with timely judicial interpretations of laws in courts and regulatory forums. Lastly statutes of significance to real estate asset delivery were probed for inherent loopholes in their frameworks. The growing impetus to consumer centricity both in the making and interpretation of real estate laws was clearly established in the present study. However, existing laws of importance to real estate asset delivery were identified to be contributors to the creation and preservation of an inherent imbalance in the design and power structure of the sector, to the detriment of consumers of real estate assets. The findings undoubtedly indicate that to stimulate growth in the construction industry, the need of the hour is to place consumer centricity at the heart of affairs through the correction of inherent loopholes in the framework of law governing real estate asset delivery. © 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
Demystifying the Recent Trends and Advances in Safety Culture Research: A Systematic Review
(Springer Singapore, 2022) Deepak, D.; Mahesh, G.
In the recent times, there has been a growing concern to improve safety management practices in the construction sector. In this regard, there is a need to improve “safety culture” as it plays a significant role in improving workplace safety conditions and is viewed as a comprehensive construct having possibilities of interventions at all levels of construction projects. However, the growing body of knowledge on safety culture research makes it difficult to have a systematic and comprehensive view of the subject. Towards addressing this issue, there is a need to systematize this body of knowledge with a comprehensive systematic literature review. The review is based on three-step methodology. First step aims at gathering suitable articles related to safety culture in construction sector. The second step presents the results of descriptive analysis on recent trends in safety culture research. Last step focuses on a detailed systematic review pertaining to definition, factors, and assessment tools that influence the level of safety culture practices. Results of this review help to uncover and provide a comprehensive overview of recent trends and advances governing safety culture research, and it can help academicians and practi-tioners identify fundamental influence from these published articles. Implications of the study emphasized that the study outcomes can assist researchers and practitioners to have consensus on industry-specific standards. Furthermore, this systematic liter-ature review has helped to conceptualize safety culture, thereby highlighting the impact of external events and stakeholders interests in construction sector. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.
Developing a clients charter and construction project KPIs to direct and drive industry improvements
(2017) Kumaraswamy, M.; Mahesh, G.; Mahalingam, A.; Loganathan, S.; Kalidindi, S.N.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a case, with live examples from a construction industry development initiative in India, for developing a proactive construction clients charter; and a core set of key performance indicators (KPIs), as basic tools for facilitating the expectations of this special issue in securing clients organisational objectives and project aspirations throughout construction project lifecycles apart from empowering construction industry improvements in general. Design/methodology/approach: Having identified 19 critical issues in the Indian construction industry at two construction clients-academia roundtables, two of the action teams formed to address specific issue sets, separately developed a relevant construction clients charter and useful KPIs, respectively, through a combination of literature reviews and brainstorming conference calls, along with iterative drafts of, and feedback on interim outputs. Validation of working papers presented at a Consolidation Roundtable of construction clients and their consultants, elicited further suggestions for fine tuning of final outputs. Findings: The charter was formulated in structured steps, including identifying priorities under four categories: overall, expectations from supply chains, by supply chains and by end users. The six sub-heads of the charter are on procurement, design, innovation and technology, project execution, human resource development and worker welfare, and quality, safety and sustainability. The suggested KPIs for building clients in India enable organisations to choose: from three different groups (i.e. design phase, construction phase, or business outcomes), and at three different levels (i.e. project/organisation level, benchmarking club level, or industry level). Originality/value: There is no known overarching Construction Clients Charter at present. Some project KPI sets are available elsewhere. However, those developed in India, while focusing on project performance, also connect to organisational performance and business outcomes. Furthermore, KPIs are provided to separately probe client, consultant and contractor performance. Significantly, the charter and KPIs are outcomes from an industry-led self-improvement initiative launched with building construction clients at the forefront, rather than a top-down imposition from government. Furthermore, while prioritising client aspirations, they also address common supply chain and end-user concerns, which may also be interpreted as a longer-term win-win-win client s aspiration. 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited.