Niluka Domingo
Loughborough University, Civil and Building Engineering, Graduate Student
Understanding construction sector capacity allows stakeholders to assess the ability to deliver construction projects critically. However, the capacity concept in the construction sector is dynamic, and interrelationships of capacity at... more
Understanding construction sector capacity allows stakeholders to assess the ability to deliver construction projects critically. However, the capacity concept in the construction sector is dynamic, and interrelationships of capacity at different levels have not been explored thoroughly. Accordingly, this paper reviewed studies on capacity at different levels: sector, organisational, and individual to (1) identify attributes of capacity at each level; (2) map relationships of the capacities in the construction sector; and (3) develop a conceptual framework of project capacity in the construction sector and propose future research directions. This study used an integrative literature review approach to synthesise literature from various domains to describe different levels of the construction sector’s capacity. The findings of the literature review conceptualised a construction sector capacity framework at four levels: sector, organisational, individual, and project. The detailed des...
CanConstrucNZ is a partnership programme between New Zealand universities, government agencies, and professional bodies to develop a smart system that enables mapping future pipeline projects with the industry capacity and capability to... more
CanConstrucNZ is a partnership programme between New Zealand universities, government agencies, and professional bodies to develop a smart system that enables mapping future pipeline projects with the industry capacity and capability to advise the stakeholders whether the sector will be capable of delivering the proposed construction projects. Defining the scope of the construction sector itself is the first step of the programme that helps measure the construction sector capacity. This paper compares different definitions and approaches of the construction sector boundaries and discusses similarities and differences in the selected classification systems, usually used to define, collect, and generate data for measuring the construction sector. The findings highlight the need for a more comprehensive classification to help generate the correct level of data for measuring the construction sector’s true scope and size, resulting in better policy initiatives, and informing changes in t...
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In light of climate change, the construction industry plays a crucial part in alleviating carbon emissions and other environmental impacts. The focus on improving the public procurement process poses an important opportunity for the... more
In light of climate change, the construction industry plays a crucial part in alleviating carbon emissions and other environmental impacts. The focus on improving the public procurement process poses an important opportunity for the successful implementation of carbon reduction strategies in construction projects. There is a growing body of literature mapping green and sustainable procurement practices in construction. However, previous studies have not treated the implementation of procurement in a particular area, such as carbon reduction, in much detail. This study aims to investigate the implementation of construction procurement incorporating carbon reduction strategies, with a specific focus on the public sector in New Zealand. The research was conducted through 13 semi-structured interviews with construction procurement experts in New Zealand. The results shed light on the current implementation of carbon reduction strategies in construction procurement and its challenges, su...
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Abstract Collaboration has been considered one of the keys for effectively managing state school properties in New Zealand, with participants combining their abilities to solve challenges and achieve common goals. However, this is... more
Abstract Collaboration has been considered one of the keys for effectively managing state school properties in New Zealand, with participants combining their abilities to solve challenges and achieve common goals. However, this is challenging due to the multiple stakeholders involved (Ministry staff, external consultants, school boards), process fragmentation, and the stakeholders’ diversity of knowledge. This research aims to develop a collaboration maturity model with process areas, criteria in each process area and rating levels. The criteria were identified from interviews with school managers and then used in a questionnaire survey to investigate the maturity levels of criteria in the collaboration. The assessment results provide insights into the problems or lowest scores criteria that are most needed for improvement. Based on the findings, improvement initiatives have been discussed. From school managers’ perspective, the empirical findings can be translated into actionable knowledge in a way that helps the top management review their collaboration policies regarding staff training, funding allocation, reporting system and information technology.
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New Zealand is a nation prone to earthquakes. It is widely documented that continuous seismic activity can lead to the devastation of buildings and infrastructure. After such events, the strategy adopted by building owners on their... more
New Zealand is a nation prone to earthquakes. It is widely documented that continuous seismic activity can lead to the devastation of buildings and infrastructure. After such events, the strategy adopted by building owners on their decision of repair or rebuild has been based on independent professional assessments undertaken by engineers and builders as well as estimated repair costs budgeted by costing experts. There are currently some basic models available that pre-estimate the repair costs for earthquake damaged structures. These include the following probability based models; PACT, SLAT and SP3. However, research has identified that there are other factors affecting the repair costs associated with earthquake damaged buildings which are not entirely covered by these models. Document analysis, semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey has been conducted to identify and verify the above mentioned factors affecting repair costs of earthquake damaged buildings. These factors have been analysed and integrated into a theoretical cost estimation model which is represented as a poster. This theoretical model will be further developed into an actual cost estimation model as part of a PhD research project
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Purpose Reconstruction processes after an earthquake require estimating repair costs to decide on whether to repair or rebuild. This requires an accurate post-earthquake cost estimation tool. Currently, there are no post-earthquake loss... more
Purpose Reconstruction processes after an earthquake require estimating repair costs to decide on whether to repair or rebuild. This requires an accurate post-earthquake cost estimation tool. Currently, there are no post-earthquake loss estimation models to estimate repair costs accurately. There are loss assessment tools available, namely, HAZUS, performance assessment calculation tool (PACT), seismic performance and loss assessment tool (SLAT) and seismic performance prediction tool, which have not been specifically used for post-earthquake repair cost estimation. This paper aims to focus on identifying factors that need to be considered when upgrading these tools for post-earthquake repair cost estimation. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted as an exploratory study using a literature review, document analysis of the PACT, SLAT and HAZUS software and 18 semi-structured interviews. Findings The research identified information sources available for estimation and ...
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The attention onprefabricated modules and components is resurging in the New Zealand residential construction industry. This isdriven by its relative benefitsand technological advancements.However inspite of thisattention, there has not... more
The attention onprefabricated modules and components is resurging in the New Zealand residential construction industry. This isdriven by its relative benefitsand technological advancements.However inspite of thisattention, there has not been commensurate understanding of its manufacturing supply chainand the enhancement of theirperformance. Similarly, there has been little research considering the supply chain and supply chain integration in module/component manufacturing in residential constructionin New Zealand. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive overviewof the modular manufacturing process andthebarriers and enablers for supply chain integration in module manufacturing.The identified barriers are discussed with theirrelevant enablers. Informationfor the study investigation was collected through twelve semi-structured face to face interviews withprefabricationexperts. The information obtained was analysed using contentanalysis that enabled the development of a framewor...
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Purpose This paper aims to develop an integrated and comprehensive framework for building and property management (BAPM) for state schools in New Zealand. The results are expected to clarify the complicated process and provide a guide for... more
Purpose This paper aims to develop an integrated and comprehensive framework for building and property management (BAPM) for state schools in New Zealand. The results are expected to clarify the complicated process and provide a guide for school boards to manage their property effectively and efficiently. It also seeks to explore the relationship between the key stakeholders and how this impacts the BAPM. Design/methodology/approach In addition, to review literature, qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 16 top managers in state schools. The data analysis results were used to develop the framework using the integration definition for process modelling. Findings The findings contribute to understanding the processes in the BAPM in state schools of school board members by adding input, output, control and mechanism elements in each activity of the processes. The systematic models with main activities and people involved are presented as a guide for sch...
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In the light of climate change, the drive for zero carbon buildings is known as one response to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Within New Zealand, research on climate change mitigation and environmental impacts of buildings has received... more
In the light of climate change, the drive for zero carbon buildings is known as one response to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Within New Zealand, research on climate change mitigation and environmental impacts of buildings has received renewed attention. However, there has been no detailed investigation of zero carbon building practices. This paper undertakes an exploratory study through the use of semi-structured interviews with government representatives and construction industry experts to examine how the New Zealand construction industry plans and implements zero carbon buildings. The results show that New Zealand’s construction industry is in the early stage of transiting to a net-zero carbon built environment. Key actions to date are focused on devising a way for the industry to develop and deliver zero carbon building projects. Central and local governments play a leading role in driving zero carbon initiatives. Leading construction firms intend to maximise the carbon redu...
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Project cost plays an important role in a project’s success, and is an aspect of high concern to the project stakeholders. Although some studies have been undertaken to investigate the influencing factors of project cost, because of the... more
Project cost plays an important role in a project’s success, and is an aspect of high concern to the project stakeholders. Although some studies have been undertaken to investigate the influencing factors of project cost, because of the continuous development in the field, this study is regarded as adding value to the construction industry in New Zealand. This study focuses on exploring the significant factors influencing project cost. The objectives of the study are to identify, assess and analyse the effects of the influencing factors on the cost of a project. A questionnaire survey was carried out among a selection of clients and developers. Structural equation modelling techniques were adopted to analyse the collected data. The results conclude that of all these four constructs, namely market conditions, key stakeholders’ influences, building and construction regulations, and the external economic environment have a significant effect on building project costs. These factors sho...
Purpose Reconstruction processes after an earthquake require estimating repair costs to decide on whether to repair or rebuild. This requires an accurate post-earthquake cost estimation tool. Currently, there are no post-earthquake loss... more
Purpose Reconstruction processes after an earthquake require estimating repair costs to decide on whether to repair or rebuild. This requires an accurate post-earthquake cost estimation tool. Currently, there are no post-earthquake loss estimation models to estimate repair costs accurately. There are loss assessment tools available, namely, HAZUS, performance assessment calculation tool (PACT), seismic performance and loss assessment tool (SLAT) and seismic performance prediction tool, which have not been specifically used for post-earthquake repair cost estimation. This paper aims to focus on identifying factors that need to be considered when upgrading these tools for post-earthquake repair cost estimation. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted as an exploratory study using a literature review, document analysis of the PACT, SLAT and HAZUS software and 18 semi-structured interviews. Findings The research identified information sources available for estimation and ...
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The attention onprefabricated modules and components is resurging in the New Zealand residential construction industry. This isdriven by its relative benefitsand technological advancements.However inspite of thisattention, there has not... more
The attention onprefabricated modules and components is resurging in the New Zealand residential construction industry. This isdriven by its relative benefitsand technological advancements.However inspite of thisattention, there has not been commensurate understanding of its manufacturing supply chainand the enhancement of theirperformance. Similarly, there has been little research considering the supply chain and supply chain integration in module/component manufacturing in residential constructionin New Zealand. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive overviewof the modular manufacturing process andthebarriers and enablers for supply chain integration in module manufacturing.The identified barriers are discussed with theirrelevant enablers. Informationfor the study investigation was collected through twelve semi-structured face to face interviews withprefabricationexperts. The information obtained was analysed using contentanalysis that enabled the development of a framewor...
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Major earthquakes can cause extensive damage to buildings and alter both the natural and built environments. Accurately estimating the financial impact from these events is complex, and the damage is not always visible to the naked eye.... more
Major earthquakes can cause extensive damage to buildings and alter both the natural and built environments. Accurately estimating the financial impact from these events is complex, and the damage is not always visible to the naked eye. PACT, SLAT, and HAZUS are some of the computer-based tools designed to predict probable damage before an earthquake. However, there are no identifiable models built for post-earthquake use. This paper focuses on verifying the significance and usage of variables that specifically need to be considered for the post-earthquake cost estimation of earthquake damage repair work (CEEDRW). The research was conducted using a questionnaire survey involving 92 participants who have experience in cost estimating earthquake damage repair work in New Zealand. The Weighted Average, Relative Importance Index (RII), and Exploratory Factor Analysis were used to analyse the data. The research verified that eleven major variables that are significant to the CEEDRW and s...
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Establishing and prioritising the factors that may influence the final contract price when responding to a call for tenders is crucial for proper risk analysis and reliable forecasting; it could make or mar the ability to achieve expected... more
Establishing and prioritising the factors that may influence the final contract price when responding to a call for tenders is crucial for proper risk analysis and reliable forecasting; it could make or mar the ability to achieve expected profit margin in an era of lump sum fixed price contracts where clients often contest variation claims. In New Zealand, these factors have not been researched; hence estimators rely only on judgement to ‘guess-estimate’ in their price forecasting. This study aimed to fill the knowledge gap by investigating the priority factors. 150 responses from professional members of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors were analysed using multi-attribute method. Results showed thirty-seven factors which could influence the final contract price; the three most influential being poor tender documentation, complexity of design & construction, and completeness of project information. Other factors relating to project, client and contractor characteristic...
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Identification of costs drivers and their influence level on building development costs play a key role in the development of construction models and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of any project. Forty-five indicators... more
Identification of costs drivers and their influence level on building development costs play a key role in the development of construction models and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of any project. Forty-five indicators influencing building development costs in New Zealand are explored by literature review and pilot interviews. These indicators are grouped into seven categories. The determination and ranking of the cost drivers are carried out by a questionnaire survey distributed to key professionals working in New Zealand’s construction industry. Structural equation modeling (SEM) software was employed for analysis of the collected data. One of the key advantages of this powerful software is to provide the p-value according to the structure of the research model. Findings of this study indicate that the property market and construction industry factor, statutory and regulatory factor, and socio-economic factor are major factors affecting building development costs i...
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Purpose This paper aims to develop an integrated and comprehensive framework for building and property management (BAPM) for state schools in New Zealand. The results are expected to clarify the complicated process and provide a guide for... more
Purpose This paper aims to develop an integrated and comprehensive framework for building and property management (BAPM) for state schools in New Zealand. The results are expected to clarify the complicated process and provide a guide for school boards to manage their property effectively and efficiently. It also seeks to explore the relationship between the key stakeholders and how this impacts the BAPM. Design/methodology/approach In addition, to review literature, qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 16 top managers in state schools. The data analysis results were used to develop the framework using the integration definition for process modelling. Findings The findings contribute to understanding the processes in the BAPM in state schools of school board members by adding input, output, control and mechanism elements in each activity of the processes. The systematic models with main activities and people involved are presented as a guide for sch...