Abstracts – Browse Results
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Duffield, C F (2001) An evaluation framework for privately funded infrastructure projects in Australia, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Fayek, A (1996) A competitive estimating and tendering strategy model for use in the civil engineering construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Gurmu, A (2017) An investigation into construction management practices influencing labour productivity in multi-storey building projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Horman, M J (2000) Process dynamics: Buffer management in building project operations, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Jennings, I C (1997) Systemic integration in construction project organisations, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Karunaratne, R (2022) Optimisation of prefabricated modular-integrated residential construction using hybrid customisation methods, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Kenley, R (1986) Construction project cash flow modelling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Architecture and Building (Now Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning), University of Melbourne.
London, K (2004) Construction supply chain procurement modelling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Mills, A J (2002) Client and contractor attitudes to prequalification and selection processes for construction work, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Ryan, P W J (2017) Unlocking the key to mega project delivery, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Sivam, A (1999) An approach to improved housing delivery in large cities of less developed countries, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Smith, J (2002) Strategic client briefing: A model for building project inception, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Trigunarsyah, B (2001) Implementing constructability improvement into the Indonesian construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Ullal, A (2018) Clear, Hold and Build: Conditions and practices characterising construction in conflict and post-conflict settings, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne.
- Type: Thesis
- Keywords: construction management economics; post-conflict reconstruction; conflict construction; military construction; construction industry development; construction procurement contracting; construction Afghanistan; construction Timor-Leste; construction South
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/handle/11343/221848
- Abstract:
The study addresses construction in the context of increased political instability and violence that characterise conflict and post-conflict settings. Effects of political instability and violence upon conditions surrounding construction projects and the ways that construction practitioners respond to these conditions are investigated. Conflict and economic growth are associated such that conflict and post-conflict situations typically occur in poorer countries at earlier stages of economic development. Therefore, the study commences with a review of statistical indicators that identifies how conditions surrounding construction in conflict-affected countries differ from conditions in other developing countries that are not affected by recent conflict. Four case studies then focus on relationships between prevailing conditions, construction practices and project outcomes: Afghanistan from 2002 to 2012, Timor-Leste from 2007 to 2012, South Sudan from 2005 to 2012 and Pakistan from 2007 to 2012. In each case study, semi-structured interviews draw on knowledge and experience of practitioners, with corroboration from statistics and observations. Statistical indicators of prevailing conditions are used to position each case in relation to the broader group of conflict and post-conflict settings, supporting synthesis and generalisation of case-specific findings. Notwithstanding significant differences between individual conflict and post-conflict situations, conflict is found to exacerbate many of the problematic conditions surrounding construction that other studies have associated with construction in developing countries in general. The regulatory environment surrounding construction is particularly susceptible to effects of political instability and violence, including the effectiveness of construction regulation, the reliability of the legal frame for contracting and the prevalence of corruption. While increased political instability and violence is associated with restricted availability and mobility of construction practitioners, particularly client representatives and consultants engaged in monitoring works and administering contracts, access to other construction resources such materials and equipment may be less affected. In the context of weakened regulatory environments, shortened investment horizons in unstable settings can promote opportunism among various practitioners. Opportunistic practices identified in the study include: fraudulent materials testing; various forms of petty and grand corruption; collusion, fraudulent bidding and excessive under-bidding in competitive tenders; reassignment of awarded contracts; and intentional compromises to construction quality. Positive practices are also identified in the study, including strategic award of contracts by clients and investment by contractors, which can support improved construction supply capacity despite problematic conditions. Beyond immediate project outcomes, these practices can potentially have more significant political implications and enduring effects upon construction industry development. Increased prevalence of dysfunctional practices suggests a limited effectiveness of standard construction procurement and tendering arrangements in the context of weakened regulatory environments and shortened investment horizons. Several measures are proposed to support improved effectiveness of standard procurement and contracting arrangements.
Xu, M (2010) The value of critical project decisions: measurement and modelling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.