Re-engineering construction: a new management research agenda

Betts, Martin; Wood–Harper, Trevor

doi:10.1080/01446199400000065

Cited by 51 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…In particular, the established external relationships could aid small construction firms in compensating the riskiness of being small and uncertainties associated with innovation activities (Manley 2008). In dealing with timely completed projects, the small firms did not operate in isolation; instead, they were, along with all construction firms, located in a wide variety of fluctuating inter-organizational linkages of varying intricacy (Betts, Wood-Harper 1994). In spite of the rich resources embedded in the networks, firms must have the necessary capability to exploit and turn the resources out into innovation (Lu, Sexton 2006).…”

Section: Inter-organizational Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Capabilities-Based Forecasting Model for Innovation Development in Small-and-Medium Construction Firms (Smcfs)

Chen

Lee

Yap

et al. 2018

Journal of Civil Engineering and Management

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Abstract.Triggering innovation among Small-and-Medium Construction Firms (SMCFs) is of paramount importance to gear up the growth of construction firms. Thus, this study aims to develop a Capability-Based forecasting model for innovation development in SMCFs. Built on 157 questionnaires, the model was tested using partial least squares (PLS) technique of structural equation modelling (SEM). The practicality and robustness of this model was then validated by 12 experts. Findings affirm SMCFs making use of multiple Capability-Based approaches would be able to secure their performance via innovation activities. For academia, the new model contributes to the stream of construction innovation management by integrating both technological and organizational innovations in a single framework. For practitioners and policymakers, the model offers valuable input for continuing growth of SMCFs via innovation.

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Section: Inter-organizational Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Capabilities-Based Forecasting Model for Innovation Development in Small-and-Medium Construction Firms (Smcfs)

Chen

Lee

Yap

et al. 2018

Journal of Civil Engineering and Management

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“…Companies do not operate in a vacuum; rather, they are situated in a number of fluctuating inter-organisational networks of varying complexity (Bresnen and Marshall, 2000a, 2000b, 2000cBetts and Wood-Harper, 1994). Inter-organisational networks promote and facilitate the development and exchange of knowledge and resources needed to encourage learning and innovation in participating companies (for example, see Barlow and Jashapara, 1998;Ebers, 1997;Grandori and Soda, 1995).…”

Section: Inter-organisational Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

nD modelling: industry uptake considerations

Lee

Sexton

2007

Construction Innovation

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Case studyPurpose nD modelling technology ushers in novel possibilities to transform the design, production and use of buildings by providing a '… multi-dimensional model … [which] … enables true what-if analyses to be performed to demonstrate the real cost in terms of the design issues … [and] … the trade-offs between the parameters … clearly envisaged' (Lee, et al., 2003: 5). The espoused benefits of a new technology such as nD modelling, however, are not sufficient in itself to ensure its widespread adoption and use within the construction industry. Technology transfer is widely considered to be a potentially powerful mechanism to provide the construction industry with new technologies that can, where appropriate, transform and complement current technologies to create and sustain better levels of performance (DTI, 2002; Mitropoulos and Tatum, 1999; DETR, 1998). This paper aims to identify the key enablers and obstacles to the effective adoption and use of nD modelling technology. Methodology/ approachThis paper explores the feasibility of industry absorbing and diffusing nD modelling technology by considering key technology transfer issues; namely organisational direction, interorganisational networks, and knowledge characteristics of technology. Findings from semi-2 structured interviews around a diagnostic technology transfer framework are used to offer implications for theory and practice. FindingsThe results from 15 survey interviews indicate that construction professionals appreciate the potential significant benefits of nD modelling technology, but at present, nD modelling technology is seen as too embryonic; too far removed from construction firms' 'comfort zones'; requiring too much investment; and, containing too many risks. Practical implicationsThe paper concludes that the challenge for nD modelling technology, along with any new technology, is to shift from its 'technology push' emphasis to a more balanced 'market orientated' stance which allows the technology to be shaped by both strategic design concerns, and the rough and tumble of day-to-day operational needs. If this trajectory is pursued, nD modelling technology has a positive future. Keywords: nD modelling, technology transfer, building information model, innovation, IT (information technology) IntroductionA construction project team is characterised by many professionals from various disciplines.The central ambition for this team is to satisfy all stakeholder requirements in order to generate a mutually beneficial solution. This idealised aim requires appropriate integration of project information; however, this is difficult to achieve due to the constraints and conflicts upon the An nD model is an extension of the building information model, which incorporates multiaspects of design information required at each stage of the lifecycle of a building facility (Lee et al, 2003). nD is unlike traditional 2D and 3D CAD (computer aided design) systems where the building design is represented in multiple files made up of lines, arcs and cir...

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“…In the two works cited above (Betts and Lansley, 1993;Betts and Wood-Harper, 1994) we see a distinction being drawn between empirical research, which does not contribute to theory and 'scientific' research, which does. In the absence of any discussion of the nature of the theory being advocated, we assume that, in line with the conceptions of the rationalistic paradigm, it is intended to be similar to that found in the natural sciences: global, objective and verifiable.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, it is assumed that the reality of management practice can be captured in the form of a single objective account, taking the form of a generic causal representation of the 'system' (Seymour and Rooke 1995). It appears to be something of this nature which Betts an Wood-Harper (1994) have in mind when they quote Hammer and Champy's definition of a business process as "a collection of activities that takes one or more kinds of input and creates an output that is of value to the customer." This kind of theory building is facilitated by various forms of survey research, which typically produce statistical data relating correlations between variables.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%