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Item Adopting augmented reality to avoid underground utilities strikes during excavation : a thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, School of Built Environment, College of Science, Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) Khorrami Shad, HesamThe construction industry constantly pursues innovative methods to improve safety, enhance productivity, and reduce costs and project durations. Augmented Reality (AR) is a promising technology, potentially bringing about transformative changes in construction. AR is a promising technology for visualizing data in construction sites and preventing clashes and accidents. One of its promising applications is in the excavation sector, where accidental strikes on underground utilities pose serious safety risks, delays, and costly damages. However, while AR has gained increasing attention in recent years, its integration into construction practice remains limited. To address this limitation, this research investigates the potential of AR to facilitate identifying underground utility locations through a systematic review, industry engagement, and user-centred experimentation. Initially, a systematic literature review was conducted to explore the current applications of AR in construction safety. This review identified the safety purposes of AR across three project phases: pre-event (e.g., training, safety inspections, hazard alerting, enhanced visualization), during-event (e.g., pinpointing hazards), and post-event (e.g., safety estimation). However, the review also revealed a notable lack of studies focused on AR applications in excavation activities, particularly for underground utility strike prevention. In response, a study was undertaken to understand the needs, expectations, and challenges associated with adopting AR in the excavation sector. 31 professionals from the excavation industry participated in the within-subject experiment, interacting with two AR prototypes, delivered via Optical See-Through (OST) and Video See-Through (VST) devices. The findings indicated a clear preference for AR over traditional methods such as paper-based drawings. Participants showed a preference for VST rather than OST, given their familiarity with VST devices such as tablets. Further, accessibility emerged as the primary barrier to adopting AR within the excavation industry. Building on the literature and industry insights, an experimental study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of different AR visualization methods in underground utility detection. A within-subject experiment involving 60 participants was conducted to compare four of the most cited visualization techniques for underground utilities: X-Ray, Shadow, Cross-Sectional, and a newly developed Combination method. Drawing on the Theory of Affordances and Task Load analysis, the study found that the Combination and X-Ray visualization methods perform superior to the Shadow. These results provide empirical support for the user-centered design of AR visualization techniques in excavation practice. This research contributes to the fields of human-computer interaction, construction safety, and digital technology adoption by advancing the use of AR for underground utility strike prevention. The study shifts the focus of AR from general safety training to real-time, spatial visualization for excavation, offering both theoretical insights and practical applications. Methodologically, it follows a structured mixed-methods approach, combining literature review, industry engagement, and experimental testing. Practically, it identifies user preferences, visualization methods, and key adoption factors such as usability and accessibility. Overall, this thesis fills the gap between emerging AR technologies and their integration into safer excavation practices.Item A framework for enhanced decision making in construction organisations based on quality of pipeline information : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, School of Built Environment, Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025-08-25) Moshood, Taofeeq DurojayeThe New Zealand government actively pursues the development of a sustainable construction sector that ensures high performance, productivity, innovation, and community well-being through diverse project initiatives spanning residential, non-residential, and infrastructure development. Despite these aspirations, construction projects in New Zealand are frequently delayed and not effectively completed, thus leading to underperformance. Two critical factors contributing to project delays and suboptimal outcomes are inadequate quality of information and ineffective strategic decision-making processes. Formulating effective strategic decisions is a fundamental challenge for construction organisations, significantly impacting their overall strategic goals and operational success. While information management and decision execution are widely recognised as crucial elements in organisational strategy, there remains a notable gap in understanding the intricate relationship between the quality of information and strategic decision-making, particularly within the context of construction business performance. This research addresses this critical knowledge gap by identifying the determinants for successful construction business performance. It investigates the mediating role of quality of information in the relationship between strategic decision-making and the performance of construction businesses in New Zealand. The study employs a comprehensive methodological approach combining systematic literature review, quantitative analysis, and stakeholder validation to develop a robust understanding of these complex relationships. The systematic literature review focused specifically on identifying critical determinants for successful construction business performance in New Zealand, utilising the ATLAS.ti 9 tool for analysis. This comprehensive review highlighted the fundamental role of the quality of information in strategic decision-making processes and its subsequent impact on organisational performance. This systematic analysis led to the development of a conceptual framework and associated hypotheses establishing the relationships between these factors and their impact on strategic decision-making, information quality, and construction business performance. A quantitative survey was conducted with 102 respondents, and the sample size was determined using G*Power analysis to ensure statistical validity. The study examined how strategic decision-making and information quality influence construction business performance in New Zealand. The research method that was employed integrated established theoretical models and employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS4 software. This analytical approach allowed for robust testing of both direct relationships between variables and the mediating effect of information quality on the relationship between strategic management practices and business performance outcomes. The findings revealed a strong positive correlation between strategic decision-making management and construction business performance, with quality of information serving as a crucial mediating factor. A key research component involved validating the proposed strategic decision-making process framework for its sufficiency, clarity, coherence, relevance, and applicability in New Zealand construction organisations. This validation process included in-depth interviews with six industry experts representing various organisational approaches to strategic decision-making. Their responses revealed a spectrum of techniques ranging from highly structured to more informal methodologies, providing valuable insights into the practical application of strategic decision-making frameworks in different organisational contexts. The research outcomes significantly contribute to theoretical understanding and practical application in the construction industry. Establishing clear criteria for successful quality of information and identifying critical factors affecting project implementation success, this study offers valuable guidance for improving practices within the construction sector. The findings emphasise the crucial importance of prioritising both the quality of information and strategic decision-making to effectively lessen project delays and optimise overall performance in the construction sector. Furthermore, the research contributes to developing more effective strategic decision-making processes by highlighting the interconnected nature of the quality of information and strategic planning. The validated framework provides construction organisations with a practical tool for enhancing their strategic decision-making capabilities while considering the critical role of quality of information in achieving successful outcomes. This study's findings have significant implications for construction industry stakeholders, such as project managers, organisational leaders, and policymakers. The research demonstrates that improving the quality of information and strategic decision-making processes can enhance project outcomes and overall organisational performance. The validated framework offers a structured approach for organisations to assess and improve their current practices while considering their unique operational contexts and requirements.Item An analysis of the literature on construction employee turnover: drivers, consequences, and future direction(Taylor and Francis Group, 2024-04-22) Abdolmaleki G; Naismith N; Ghodrati N; Poshdar M; Babaeian Jelodar MEmployee turnover is a critical factor affecting organizational effectiveness. It is particularly important in the construction sector due to its knowledge and labor-intensive characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to understand why qualified employees would leave their employers so that effective measures can be taken to retain them. Despite the growing body of knowledge on employee turnover, there is a lack of comprehensive review of this topic in the construction literature. This study adopts a systematic literature review approach to synthesize domain knowledge on employee turnover from two perspectives: its investigated causes, and consequences. In total, 77 relevant papers are extracted. A total of 51 drivers of construction employee turnover are identified and categorized into personal, job-related, organizational, and external influencers. Findings also suggest three major outcomes caused by employee turnover, including individual, project, and organization-related consequences. This review contributes to understanding the turnover phenomenon in construction literature and highlights potential areas for future empirical studies to move forward. By understanding the main factors influencing turnover decisions, construction organizations can develop and implement effective means for managing employee turnover. This study further contributes to construction employee turnover research by emphasizing the importance of studying the consequences of the turnover phenomenon.Item Gender-perceived workplace stressors by New Zealand construction professionals(Taylor and Francis Group, 2024-02-19) van Heerden A; Boulic M; McDonald BW; Chawynski GThe construction workplace is male-dominated and stressful, but little is known about gender-based differences in its stressors. This research examined the effect of gender and personal attributes on stressors in the New Zealand construction industry at four major levels: (1) individual, (2) group, (3) organizational, and (4) extra-organizational. Target respondents were professional construction members from Site Safe New Zealand, with 317 completed questionnaires and statistical analysis using the two-sample t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Levene’s test. The findings show that females have higher qualifications than males, but males have about ten years more experience and more completed projects than their female counterparts. Males reported significantly higher technical skills than females and there was no significant difference between genders regarding sector involvement. At the individual level, females were most affected by role conflict stress and the perception of different treatment because of gender. Males felt significantly higher stress over the variable 'on/off-site office/administration building conditions’. At the group level, there were no significant gender differences, but sexual harassment warranted further investigation. Within the organizational and extra-organizational levels, no variables differed significantly between genders. The construction workforce has a strong gender imbalance and efforts are needed to address this through better work-life balance.Item An analysis of determinants of construction firm performance : a New Zealand perspective : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Management, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2023) Wahid, IsrarThis research explores the factors critical for the performance of construction firms. It explores Strategic Management principles in terms of Contingency Theory (CT) to understand construction firm performance. CT considers the interactions of Internal Organisational Attributes and contextual factors (business environment uncertainties) in explaining firm’s performance. The rationale of the research comes from the lack of literature on the factors explaining the performance differentials for construction firms in New Zealand and within the field of Construction Management (CM) in general. The critical identified Internal Organisation attributes are ‘Dynamic Capabilities (DC)’, ‘Competitive Strategies (CS)’, ‘Organisation structure (OS)’ and ‘Resources and Capabilities (RC)’. The relationship between the internal attributes, their interaction with the business environment and the influence of such interactions on firm performance is the main aim of this research. The research uses a mixed-methods approach, including a questionnaire survey and three case studies, to examine the relationship between identified attributes and business environment. The findings of the study suggest that all the considered constructs are important in explaining firm performance. However, in most cases the relationship in not linear or direct. DC and CS have a significant impact on firm performance, and in an uncertain business environments firms equipped with DC will outperform those without DC. However, OS and RC do not have a direct effect on performance, rather an indirect effect. OS aids in successful pursuit of CS, which in turn leads to enhanced performance. Similarly, RC are necessary to support successful CS adoption, which in turn leads to superior performance. The study contributes to the existing literature by presenting novel conceptual models and providing industry practitioners with an understanding of how to improve firm performance through validated conceptual models. It adds to theory by explaining the interaction of organisational contingencies (DC, OS, CS), Business Environment Dynamism and Firm Performance. It also presents novel conceptual models for hypothesis testing, that explain the interaction of organisation internal attributes and external business environments, which have not been tested before. Moreover, the research also gives industry practitioners an understanding of what is required to achieve sustained performance in uncertain business conditions in forms of validated models that formulate operational strategies which are effective. For industry professionals, the study establishes the importance of developing strong dynamic capabilities by construction firms, adopting multiple competitive strategies (Hybrid strategies), and an alignment of their Organisation Structure, Competitive Strategy and Resources to achieve some tangible results for performance enhancement. Neglecting such a strategic fit can significantly hinder the firm performance.Item Underperformance of information and communication technology in construction organizations : a correlational study between the performance and the strategic alignment : a thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Philosophy in Building and Construction, Field of Building and Construction, School of Built Environment, College of Science, Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2023) Eliwa, HassanThe construction industry is applying information and communication technology (ICT), but it is evident that it does not realise its full potential and is underperforming, although other sectors are using the benefits of ICT and are extremely successful. Based on that, it is required to study and investigate the underperforming of the construction ICT and identify the problems and challenges leading to underperformance and shortcomings of ICT utilisation in construction organisations. Organisation and ICT alignment remains a top priority for businesses to improve operational efficiencies. Various studies have concluded that applying the strategic alignment model (SAM) in construction organisations can achieve better performance outcomes from the project to the organisation level. A positive connection between the utilisation of ICT and project performance has been established and concluded. However, the effects of ICT infrastructure strategy alignment with the organisational ICT infrastructure on construction organisations' performance have not been investigated. This research evaluates and analyses the importance of the alignment between the ICT infrastructure and the organisational infrastructure to improve the underperforming construction ICT not just at the project level but also at the level of construction organisations. The main objective of this research is to investigate whether the effect of ICT utilisation on project performance may be restricted and affected by its alignment with the ICT infrastructure level in the organisation. This research aims to develop guidance that assists construction organisations in solving the construction industry underperforming, the alignment of ICT in the construction industry, and improve the probability of arriving at a specific alignment solution for the construction organisation by determining the strategic alignment impact between ICT and business on organisational performance of construction organisations. A method of evaluating ICT utilisation in the construction industry and strategic alignment is proposed. The effects of this strategic alignment on project performance are discussed, and recommendations for optimal strategic utilisation are provided. The study is significant as it will introduce to the construction organisations the role of the ICT function, the method of operation of the ICT function and the sourcing options of the ICT function as antecedent variables to the alignment of business and ICT within the organisation. The research follows a practical process to understanding the complexity, challenges and requirements for ICT implementation.Item Worker voice and the health and safety regulatory system in New Zealand : an interpretivist case study inquiry in the commercial construction industry : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Farr, DeirdreThe importance of involving workers in effective management of workplace health and safety (WHS) risks is well established. Transforming this rhetoric into sustainable practice continues to be a global problem. The siloed nature of industrial relations, WHS, human resource management and organisational behaviour debates has resulted in researchers talking past each other. Consequently, there is a dearth of literature drawing WHS research into contemporary debates exploring a broad range of direct and indirect forms of ‘worker voice’. The purpose of this thesis is to determine how and why the current statutory framework is contributing to enhancing workers’ involvement in workplace decisions that affect their WHS outcomes. This interpretivist constructivist multiple-case study applies a Multidisciplinary Analytical Model of Worker Voice to demonstrate how a multidisciplinary approach bridges divides and facilitates rich understanding of a contemporary phenomenon. The thesis clarifies the ambiguity and misunderstanding of terms that influence the interpretation and enactment of duties in the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). It identifies and maps the different forms of worker engagement, participation and representation (EP&R) that exist under the current statutory provisions in New Zealand, and more importantly, the influence of worker voice. This research enables us to understand how and under what conditions worker EP&R can thrive. The two-phase study involved semi-structured interviews with 14 key stakeholders at the macro and industry levels, and 31 case study participants in three large commercial construction organisations at the meso level. Secondary qualitative data sources included 12 observations, and public and organisational documents. Hermeneutic analysis and interpretation revealed how the current HSWA stimulated improvements in leadership and risk management. The characteristics of effective worker voice systems were co-constructed with the key stakeholders and developed into an EP&R Compliance Maturity Model of Worker Voice. This model highlighted proactive and reactive responses to the HSWA in the organisations operating in a low-union, high-risk context. The overarching perceptions of the HSWA reinvigorating interest in worker voice underpinned improvements in macro level tripartism and meso level engagement. However, traditional representation structures have been eroded rather than strengthened.Item The impacts of building code amendments in New Zealand : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Construction, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Nwadike, Amarachukwu NnadozieThe performance of buildings during earthquake-related disasters in the New Zealand built environment indicates that the New Zealand building code needs improvement to ensure that impacts of future earthquakes would be minimised. The level of destruction has triggered building code, standards, and compliance document amendments to improve building resilience against natural disasters such as an earthquake and other related extreme loading conditions. The building code has been amended; however, using the revised building code, standards, and compliance documents comes with its unique challenges to the entire system. This thesis explores the impacts of building code amendments in New Zealand's built environment. Before this study, there is no previous research on the impacts of regular building code amendments, their advantages, unintended consequences, compliance and ways of improvements with adequate recommendations in New Zealand. The thesis proposes to address the impacts of building code amendment by identifying and exploring the benefits, effects of innovative techniques, compliance and unintended consequences of building code amendment. The thesis also investigates the factors that contribute to building code compliance challenges, the amendment process, and developing a framework that allows for stakeholder's inclusiveness to increase the level of building code compliance. This thesis involved a mixed research method comprising qualitative and quantitative research to answer the research questions that justify the objectives of this thesis. The mixed research methods include questionnaires, document analysis, interview with subject matter experts, narrative and integrative literature reviews. The study findings show that building code amendments in New Zealand have yielded significant results with emphasis on improved building resilience, increased compliance level, improved flexibility in design and construction, improved the quality of construction materials, increased professional training, and reduced corruption tendencies. Accordingly, the study addressed the efficacy of building code amendments as a measure to reduce the impact of disasters while increasing the built environment resilience. The thesis revealed the effectiveness of consultation with all relevant stakeholders in building a regulatory system, free access to amended documents with support for a three years amendment cycle, as against the current biannual amendment practised in New Zealand. The unintended consequences of building code amendments are primarily influenced by (i) passive training of code users, (ii) bureaucracy, (iii) shortage of competent technical staff, and (iv) increased building code complexities. The thesis developed a framework design based on identified parameters that assist in improving building code. The parameters consist of five action priority features such as regulation and administration, design and implementation, enforcement, compliance, and amendment process. The thesis developed an evidence-based framework that balances the diversity of stakeholder’s interest and enhances the building code improvement. The findings from the evidence-based framework validation show that it can facilitate a robust building code improvement with a well-defined area of priority while providing a better understanding of the code requirements and technical assistance to the code users. The study provides useful recommendations that require an implementation to improve building resilience, performance-based building code, encourage building code compliance, reduce the unintentional consequences of building code amendment and help the stakeholders to comply with building code. The thesis demonstrates that the unforeseen negative impacts of building code amendment can be effectively handled through the intervention of the building regulatory authorities, proactive government response and collaboration with the stakeholders. This research is significant as it contributes to the theoretical understanding of building code, its amendment and regulatory system as a measure to reduce the impact of disasters. The study also contributes to the decision-makers within the building regulatory system as it informs the building policy regulators on the importance of systematic training of code users and balancing of the innovative techniques in performance-based building code with the safety measures in amending the New Zealand building code. The findings in this thesis may not be generalised but could be transferred globally to the nations that regularly review and updates their performance-based building code, standards and other related compliance documents within the range of New Zealand building code amendment interval.Item A contractual framework for two-stage early-contractor involvement (2S-ECI) in New Zealand commercial construction projects : a thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Construction at Massey University, School of Built Environment, Massey University, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Finnie, DavidTwo-stage early contractor involvement (2S-ECI) is a two-stage procurement process for firstly employing a contractor during the design stage, and then entering into a contract for construction. 2S-ECI contractual practices remain generally unknown in New Zealand despite the well-documented advantages of involving contractors in the design-stage planning. Clients, with the help of their consultants or lawyers, must draft their own, often bespoke contract to engage the contractor’s services during the design stage because there are no standard forms of pre-construction services agreements (PCSAs) in New Zealand for employing contractors during the design stage. Some of these contracts, especially if done without professional advice, are drafted inadequately. This study attempts to remove these ambiguities and explore the effect 2S-ECI has on contractual risks; the optimal contractual ingredients to consider at the pre-construction stage such as timing, obligations and liabilities; the effect of 2S-ECI on market pricing; and the overall benefits, challenges, and opportunities to improve the effective use and uptake of 2S-ECI in New Zealand. A mixed-method research approach was adopted which comprised case law analysis, contract document analysis, and comparing these legal doctrines against industry perceptions which was obtained through conducting interviews and surveys. Three bespoke contract agreements used on 2S-ECI in New Zealand commercial construction projects were compared with two standard form PCSAs published in the UK. Perceptions of 2S-ECI use in New Zealand were explored through interviews of 21 senior construction practitioners. Interview findings were validated through surveying the interview sample. A contractual framework was developed to provide a clearer contractual process, identify contract ingredients for the pre-construction stage and establishing the effect of early involvement on the contractor’s obligations during the construction stage. The framework helps clients and project managers to develop procurement strategies using 2S-ECI, including as a starting point, the type of project suited to 2S-ECI. It also helps decision makers like architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors, to make more informed decisions on who should pay for instructed drawing details that come after entering into a construction contract such as the New Zealand Standard NZS3910:2013 Conditions of Contract for Building and Civil Engineering Construction. The framework considers; (i) when to treat claims for drawing details as variations; (ii) the legal implications of a contractor’s involvement in design development; and (iii) the legal implications on construction managers if there are claims from direct trade contractors against the client under a construction management procurement. Findings from the survey analysis shows the majority of interviewees see value in early collaboration between designers and contractors, but qualify this in that the actual value depends on the extent of the contractor’s contribution and that the tangible benefits are difficult to measure. Many felt that contractors had a moral duty to reduce their claims for design development during the construction. However, none was aware of the effect of early involvement on the contractor’s contractual obligations during the construction stage. 2S-ECI may have the potential to reduce the cyclical boom bust nature of construction pricing and provide a more equitable risk distribution between the contracting parties. 2S-ECI is best suited for projects involving work to existing building operations where the cost of disruption outweighs any premium incurred with the contractor’s early involvement in logistical planning; where the selection of preferred contractors through open-book negotiation is desirable; where securing resources in heated markets is otherwise difficult through competitive tender; and where designers want the contractor’s input for more complex design solutions. Challenges to the effective use and uptake of 2S-ECI in New Zealand were identified as part of the survey. The challenges include lack of clear 2S-ECI definition, unclear expectations and difficulty measuring the benefits, incomplete design documentation, and amendments made to standard contract terms transferring greater risks to contractors – without fully considering which party may be best able to manage the risk. The bespoke pre-construction contract documentation used often lacked scope of obligations and liabilities. Opportunities for improving the use and uptake of 2S-ECI in New Zealand include educating industry about 2S-ECI, developing a standard form of pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) for New Zealand, contractors developing specialist expertise in design coordination, buildability analysis and value management, and agreeing fixed-price construction contracts based on fully complete quality drawings. These findings also contribute to developing procurement policies that support transparency and appropriate risk equity and transfer toward the party who is best able to manage the risk within the New Zealand construction industry. A pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) was drafted with ingredients based on the findings (appendix 4). The framework also includes a flowchart that guides claims entitlement and a table comparing head or main contractor and consultant construction manager obligations was developed. This provide a practical guide for contract administrators and includes a summary of interpretation of terms to inform contract drafters that can help reducing ambiguity for all construction contracts. This has the potential to help avoid unwarranted disputes. It was also recommended that skills in construction law and buildability analysis within the construction industry be enhanced and for tertiary education institutions to play a greater role. These include skills in buildability-related claims-entitlement, the effect of early contractor involvement, the application of design buildability analysis, and design coordination and management within a building information model (BIM) system environment.Item Impact of social media usage on performance of construction businesses (CBs) in Abuja-Nigeria(Emerald Publishing Limited, 27/07/2021) Oyewobi LO; Olorunyomi OS; Jimoh RA; Rotimi JOBPurpose Many construction businesses are currently building and keeping social media pages for their enterprises to be visible to the public to improve their social interaction, promote business interest, build trust and relationships with their targeted audience on social media. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of social mediausage on performance of construction businesses (CBs) in Abuja, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative research approach by identifying constructs that reveal three aspects of organisation’s physiognomies that impact the process of espousing, implementing and using technological innovations in conducting businesses. Well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 113 purposively sampled building materials’ merchant operating in Dei-Dei Market, Abuja, Nigeria. This study used partial least squares structural equation modelling technique to establish the relationship among the constructs. Findings The results of this study indicated that technology has significant relationship with social media adoption, whereas social media adoption has a very strong positive impact on organisation’s performance (P < 0.001) with respect to improved customer relations and services and enhanced information accessibility. Research limitations/implications This study has implications for CBs that wish to adopt social media to promote their businesses by presenting to them the opportunity to understand the impact of technology, environment and organisational potential in improving business performance. This study is cross-sectional in nature, and this calls for caution in interpreting the results. Originality/value This paper developed and tested a conceptual framework presented to understand the interrelationships amongst the constructs, which would be of great significance to business owners in developing their social interaction and promote business interest via social media. The outcome of this research is beneficial to researchers to further study how the different social media tools could help in influencing business decisions.
