A knowledge based system for valuing variations in civil engineering works: a user centred approach

There has been much evidence that valuing variations in construction projects can lead to conflicts and disputes leading to loss of time, efficiency, and productivity. One of the reasons for these conflicts and disputes concerns the subjectivity of the project stakeholders involved in the process. One way to minimise this is to capture and collate the knowledge and perceptions of the different parties involved in order to develop a robust mechanism for valuing variations. Focusing on the development of such a mechanism, the development of a Knowledge Based System (KBS) for valuing variations in civil engineering work is described. Evaluation of the KBS involved demonstration to practitioners in the construction industry to support the contents of the knowledge base and perceived usability and acceptance of the system. Results support the novelty, contents, usability, and acceptance of the system, and also identify further potential developments of the KBS

Functional consequences of trust in the construction supply chain: a multi-dimensional view

Trust is often linked to the emergence of cooperative behaviours that contribute to successful project outcomes. However, some have questioned the functional relevance of trust in contractual relations, arguing that control-induced cooperation can emerge from enforcement of contracts. These mixed views are further complicated by the multi-dimensional nature of trust, as different trust dimensions could have varying functional consequences. The aim of this study was to provide some clarity on the functional consequence of trust in the project supply chain. Data was gathered through passive observations, document reviews and semi-structured interviews with supply chain parties on two case study projects in the UK. A thematic data analysis approach was used to uncover multiple perspectives on the functional consequences of trust in the supply chain. Findings revealed that the weaker dimensions of trust, which are impersonal (cognition-based and systems-based) and the stronger (relational-based) dimension of trust, all fostered beneficial behaviours in the supply chain (effective knowledge sharing and self-organising behaviours). However, additional behavioural consequences (relational flexibility and extra commitment) emerged when trust was relational in nature, implying that different trust dimensions and their associated behavioural consequences can be prioritized in the supply chain based on perceived work package risks

Chemical Control of Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) in British Columbia Peach Orchards

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Control of soft scales (Homoptera: Coccidae) in British Columbia peach and apricot orchards

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Subcontracting versus health and safety:An inverse relationship

The construction industry has an unenviable reputation of being one of the worst industries in the UK in respect of health and safety (H&S) performance. Among other factors, research points to subcontracting as one of the factors influencing safety performance on construction sites. With about 80% of construction works in the UK being subcontracted, clearly it has become imperative to investigate this inverse subcontracting-H&S relationship. This situation is exacerbated by the increasing complexity of construction technologies which inevitably implies growth in specialisation, hence an increase in subcontracting. A critique of literature on H&S and subcontracting shows that this phenomenon is attributable inter alia to the lack of resources by small subcontractors to enable them invest in H&S, ambiguities about H&S responsibilities arising from complex subcontracting relationships, and the fierce level of competition for contracts among subcontractors resulting in economic survival being prioritised over H&S. Putting these factors in context, the main arguments giving justification for the need for further research into this phenomenon are indicated. The critical research questions, research aim and objectives are also highlighted, thus setting the premise for research work to expound on these factors and offer suggestions for mitigating this inverse relationship

Chemical Control of Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) in British Columbia Peach Orchards

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List of insects and mites attacking tree fruits in the interior of British Columbia

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