The Flip-Hatch gives you six more inches of entry space in the back of Highway Products service bodies.
Call West Coast Truck Equipment at 916-376-0690 for all of your Highway Products needs.
Types of Construction Equipment Available For Sale in UK
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Distinct is required for different infrastructure purposes and also for the construction of buildings, malls, shops and apartment complexes, etc. These equipment and tools serve lots of alternatives according to their requirement. This post essentially throws light on all the several equipment and tools that are offered for sale in the UK. Apart from equipment and tools, even heavy machinery is mentioned in the post. All the technical details of the equipment and machinery are given.
Excavator
An excavator is utilised for digging of trenches, holes, foundations, material handling, forestry work, demolition, landscaping, heavy lifting, mining, river dredging, etc. Excavators run with the help of hydraulic fluids and are provided in compact form. The excavator is driven by wheels or tracks. They consist of a cab, bucket and boom on a rotating platform. These are available all over UK at the most reasonable costs.
Bulldozer
A bulldozer is also recognized as a crawler. It is usually utilised for pushing significant quantities of soil, dirt, rubble, sand, etc. throughout construction of buildings, etc. The bulldozer is equipped with a ripper at the rear utilised for loosening densely compacted materials. A bulldozer has immense strength and is utilised for lifting other tools as well. Bulldozers are use on construction web sites, military bases, mines, quarries and heavy business factories. Bulldozers are on the market in all the leading machinery stores in UK.
Crane
A crane is a multipurpose machine that is used extensively in construction industries for lifting purposes. A crane is equipped with wire ropes or chains, sheaves and winder. It is useful for lifting and lowering supplies at internet site of construction and in mines, quarries, military bases etc.
Road Roller
A is fundamentally used for compacting soil, gravel, asphalt, concrete, etc. in the construction of roads. Road rollers are extensively used in construction industries. Road rollers can be found at all equipment and machinery stores in UK.
Loader
A loader is utilized to load materials like rock, sand, wood chips, dirt, feed, gravel, raw minerals, logs, asphalt, debris, etc. into other machinery like dump truck, feed-hopper, etc. Loaders are many different sorts- bucket loader, front loader, scoop loader and front-end loader. Loaders are accessible for sale in most of the leading equipment stores in UK.
Drilling Machines
Drilling machines are used exclusively for drilling holes in the ground. They are also utilised for drilling water and oils from the earth. These machines are used extensively in oil industries, mining activities and construction industries. Some of the leading machinery and equipment stores in UK offer you drilling machines at cost-successful rates.
The above mentioned are some of the most favorite machinery and equipment that are utilized extensively for construction purposes. Now that you have read a brief introduction about these machinery items, it would be easier for you to choose which equipment you demand and for what purpose. All these machines are obtainable in various stores in UK and are sold by manufacturers directly or by means of retailers.
AIT offers Professional Master in Project Management in Construction in Vietnam (HCM, HANOI, CANTHO and VUNGTAU)
In Vietnam, Asian Institute of Technology ( http://www.set.ait.ac.th/ceim or http://www.aitcv.ac.vn ) is offering a very innovative program called Professional Master in Project Management in Construction (in short, MPM). MPM program is innovative because the curriculum is designed by combining modern theories and best practice (practical) applications of project management in construction projects. The program aims to train and develop project engineers and project managers to be able to grasp the important theories of project management and be able to apply in construction projects.
What will you learn?
- project planning and scheduling management
- organization management in construction
- project cost and financial management
- communication and negotiation skills for project managers
- occupational safety and health management in construction
- quality management in construction
- project financing
- legal and contractual risk management
- applied project management in petrochemical project
- applied project management in highrise building project
- applied project management in housing and real estate project
- applied project management in public infrastructure project
- applied project management in commercial project
- construction business and project simulation
How long does it take to complete the master program? the program is design as a one year master degree. with your hardwork, you will be able to complete in one year.
Who should study this subject? if your work is related with project management in construction, this program is very useful for your career and company.
who will teach this course? the courses will be taught by professors from AIT, Japan, USA, Europe and Professional Project Managers from large construction companies and projects.
what is the teaching schedule? the classes will be delivered on evening and weekend.
Where will we open this program? we will open in Hanoi, HoChiMinh , Vung Tau and Cantho.
Where can you get more detail information?
- For Hanoi, please contact Ms Luong phone 01 285 687 168 email luongtth@aitcv.ac.vn
- For HCM, Vung Tau and Cantho, pleasse contat Ms Tuong phone 01 285 687 168 email ngletuong@aitcv.ac.vn
Many thanks
Dr BHW Hadikusumo
Associate Professor
CEIM and MPM Coordinators
CEIM open applications for August 2011 intake
We open the application for August 2011 intake for AIT Thailand campus. Limited numbers of scholarships are available for talented applicants. Some of the scholarships are Royal Thai Government scholarship, The King of Thailand scholarship, The Queen of Thailand Scholarship, Asian Development Bank scholarship etc.
What is CEIM? CEIM master and doctoral programs aim to prepare engineers to manage large construction projects starting from planning, design, tendering, construction and commissioning.
What will you learn? you will learn important knowledge and skills in project management in construction such as project planning/scheduling, project cost and financial management, organizational management, project contract, project risk, project quality management, project performance management and project financing.
Where will you work after graduation? You can work in strategic industries that highly need project management such as:
- Contractors (highway, building, oil/gas and energy)
- Consultants
- Property and real estate developers
- Bank and Invesment companies
- Public Private Partnership Consortium
- Financial and Banking institutions that lend fundings for construction projects
- hotel and apartment development
- oil and gas construction
What else will you learn during your study with us in AIT?
AIT is a very multicultural insitute. Our students and faculty members come from different parts of the world such as Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Taiwan, Pakistan, Indonesia, China, Korea, European Union. Aside from studying knowledge, you will also learn different cultures and different ways of thinking from your friends; and develop your global international networking.
Please contact CEIM Secretary (Ms. Woranuch, phone 025246060 or email woranuch@ait.ac.th) for further information.
Visit CEIM: http://www.set.ait.ac.th/ceim
How to apply? http://www.ait.ac.th/AIT/admissions/admissions
Regards
Dr. BHW Hadikusumo
Associate Professor
CEIM Coordinator
MPM Coordinator
What is CEIM? CEIM master and doctoral programs aim to prepare engineers to manage large construction projects starting from planning, design, tendering, construction and commissioning.
What will you learn? you will learn important knowledge and skills in project management in construction such as project planning/scheduling, project cost and financial management, organizational management, project contract, project risk, project quality management, project performance management and project financing.
Where will you work after graduation? You can work in strategic industries that highly need project management such as:
- Contractors (highway, building, oil/gas and energy)
- Consultants
- Property and real estate developers
- Bank and Invesment companies
- Public Private Partnership Consortium
- Financial and Banking institutions that lend fundings for construction projects
- hotel and apartment development
- oil and gas construction
What else will you learn during your study with us in AIT?
AIT is a very multicultural insitute. Our students and faculty members come from different parts of the world such as Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Taiwan, Pakistan, Indonesia, China, Korea, European Union. Aside from studying knowledge, you will also learn different cultures and different ways of thinking from your friends; and develop your global international networking.
Please contact CEIM Secretary (Ms. Woranuch, phone 025246060 or email woranuch@ait.ac.th) for further information.
Visit CEIM: http://www.set.ait.ac.th/ceim
How to apply? http://www.ait.ac.th/AIT/admissions/admissions
Regards
Dr. BHW Hadikusumo
Associate Professor
CEIM Coordinator
MPM Coordinator
Project Schedule Internal Risk Management in EPC Gas Pipeline Project: A Case Study
Oil and gas sector is considered as a backbone of any country’s economy. In Viet Nam, the promotion of gas industry development since the early 1990s has significantly contributed to the economic development of the country.
The demand of domestic gas consumption is being increased in a very short time. Therefore, Petro Vietnam has cooperated with national and international petroleum companies to speed up the plan of developing and building of the new gas fields in the southeast sea and southwest sea of Vietnam. As a result, lot of new pipelines will be installed to transport gas from field to shore of Vietnam, and this process involves many risks. Due to the unique characteristic of this project, the risk management during project execution became very important activity because the risks may have effect on cost, schedule and quality of the project. Risk management is a key to successful project implementation.
For most effective and efficient risk management, it is recommend to plan, analyze and manage risk in all phases of project life cycle specifically from design to construction phase.
Mr. Pham Binh Lam made a case study which objectives were to: (1) describe key activities in EPC gas pipeline project ; (2) identify risk factor in implement the EPC gas pipeline project which may affect the project schedule; and (3) propose risk solution that can be used to manage in the EPC gas pipeline project
Conclusion
Based on the data collected mainly from Bloc B&52-Omon gas pipeline project of Petro VietNam Gas Corporation, the author has clarified that EPC gas pipeline project contains high risk during project execution. The very important stages are from engineering stage to construction stage because these stages influence the quality of gas pipeline project. There are a lot of risk factor impacts on the project schedule in these periods such as experience, knowledge and skill of owner, contractor, subcontractors, design change, and environment impact. Pipeline construction in the offshore environment as well as onshore environment which across many rivers and canals are difficult and dangerous activity which lead to accidents and incidents frequencies happen especially if this project have a long distance from offshore to onshore pipeline route. It will not only cause project delays but also directly and indirectly cause very high project cost.
Major risk factors which may affect EPC gas pipeline project schedule has been identified by and facilitated during the brainstorming session of key experience stakeholders in this project such as top management, project manager, site manager, HSE manager, office personnel and the author.
The author has proposed appropriate strategies to reduce major risks schedule in EPC gas pipeline project by conducting a Framework on EPC Schedule Risk Management through a real gas pipline project case study -Block B – Omon gas pipeline project.The results are shown in the table below.
Recommendation
In order to obtain efficient schedule risk management in EPC gas pipeline project this study proposes a number of recommendations:
- Experience project management team should be appointed to the selection EPC contractor
- The EPC contractor has to contribute audit procedure for detailed designer to select qualified designer effectively. In addition, review and approval by Project Management team (PMT) of both selection of detailed designer and approval of designed document
- The EPC contractor and subcontractor should contribute an effective and efficient safety management system
- An effective communication and coordination system between lower stake holder (e.g. EPC contractor, subcontractor, vendor, etc) should be set up
- The owners should have high commitment of all people involved especially top management commitment in all stage of project and hand over authority to make decision.
- The Risk Management Plan should be reviewed during the EPC phase as specified in the Project Management Plan to ensure that appropriate actions have been taken and followed up. Reviews should also occur at the commencement of a new project phase or if there are significant changes to the project scope or operating environment.
His thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
In order to adapt the demand of domestic gas consumption is being increased in very short time PetroVietnam has cooperated together with national and international petroleum companies to speed up the plan of developing and building new gas fields in the southeast sea and southwest sea of Vietnam. Therefore a lot of new pipelines will be installed to transport gas from field to shore of Vietnam. In oil and gas project specify gas pipeline project contains high risk during project execution because of interacting activities of many event in condition of limited time, human resource and budget and the participation of many different parties in the project with the role, responsibilities as well as different objectives make the project more complex. Additional, only four gas pipelines project that built in Vietnam. Due to the unique characteristic of these project, the risk management during project execution is became very importance activity because the risks effect on cost, schedule and quality of the project. Risk management is a key to successful project implementation The author has identified mayor significant risks which impact project schedule and has proposed appropriate strategies to reduce major risks schedule in EPC gas pipeline project by conducting a Framework on EPC Schedule Risk Management through a real gas pipeline project case study -Block B – Omon gas pipeline project.
The demand of domestic gas consumption is being increased in a very short time. Therefore, Petro Vietnam has cooperated with national and international petroleum companies to speed up the plan of developing and building of the new gas fields in the southeast sea and southwest sea of Vietnam. As a result, lot of new pipelines will be installed to transport gas from field to shore of Vietnam, and this process involves many risks. Due to the unique characteristic of this project, the risk management during project execution became very important activity because the risks may have effect on cost, schedule and quality of the project. Risk management is a key to successful project implementation.
For most effective and efficient risk management, it is recommend to plan, analyze and manage risk in all phases of project life cycle specifically from design to construction phase.
Mr. Pham Binh Lam made a case study which objectives were to: (1) describe key activities in EPC gas pipeline project ; (2) identify risk factor in implement the EPC gas pipeline project which may affect the project schedule; and (3) propose risk solution that can be used to manage in the EPC gas pipeline project
Conclusion
Based on the data collected mainly from Bloc B&52-Omon gas pipeline project of Petro VietNam Gas Corporation, the author has clarified that EPC gas pipeline project contains high risk during project execution. The very important stages are from engineering stage to construction stage because these stages influence the quality of gas pipeline project. There are a lot of risk factor impacts on the project schedule in these periods such as experience, knowledge and skill of owner, contractor, subcontractors, design change, and environment impact. Pipeline construction in the offshore environment as well as onshore environment which across many rivers and canals are difficult and dangerous activity which lead to accidents and incidents frequencies happen especially if this project have a long distance from offshore to onshore pipeline route. It will not only cause project delays but also directly and indirectly cause very high project cost.
Major risk factors which may affect EPC gas pipeline project schedule has been identified by and facilitated during the brainstorming session of key experience stakeholders in this project such as top management, project manager, site manager, HSE manager, office personnel and the author.
The author has proposed appropriate strategies to reduce major risks schedule in EPC gas pipeline project by conducting a Framework on EPC Schedule Risk Management through a real gas pipline project case study -Block B – Omon gas pipeline project.The results are shown in the table below.
Recommendation
In order to obtain efficient schedule risk management in EPC gas pipeline project this study proposes a number of recommendations:
- Experience project management team should be appointed to the selection EPC contractor
- The EPC contractor has to contribute audit procedure for detailed designer to select qualified designer effectively. In addition, review and approval by Project Management team (PMT) of both selection of detailed designer and approval of designed document
- The EPC contractor and subcontractor should contribute an effective and efficient safety management system
- An effective communication and coordination system between lower stake holder (e.g. EPC contractor, subcontractor, vendor, etc) should be set up
- The owners should have high commitment of all people involved especially top management commitment in all stage of project and hand over authority to make decision.
- The Risk Management Plan should be reviewed during the EPC phase as specified in the Project Management Plan to ensure that appropriate actions have been taken and followed up. Reviews should also occur at the commencement of a new project phase or if there are significant changes to the project scope or operating environment.
His thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
In order to adapt the demand of domestic gas consumption is being increased in very short time PetroVietnam has cooperated together with national and international petroleum companies to speed up the plan of developing and building new gas fields in the southeast sea and southwest sea of Vietnam. Therefore a lot of new pipelines will be installed to transport gas from field to shore of Vietnam. In oil and gas project specify gas pipeline project contains high risk during project execution because of interacting activities of many event in condition of limited time, human resource and budget and the participation of many different parties in the project with the role, responsibilities as well as different objectives make the project more complex. Additional, only four gas pipelines project that built in Vietnam. Due to the unique characteristic of these project, the risk management during project execution is became very importance activity because the risks effect on cost, schedule and quality of the project. Risk management is a key to successful project implementation The author has identified mayor significant risks which impact project schedule and has proposed appropriate strategies to reduce major risks schedule in EPC gas pipeline project by conducting a Framework on EPC Schedule Risk Management through a real gas pipeline project case study -Block B – Omon gas pipeline project.
Knapheide Reinforced Crane Bodies To Withstand Tough Working Conditions
Crane Bodies from Knapheide are versatile enough to work in almost any industry. From one application to the next, the Knapheide Crane Body continues to exceed the expectations of our customers.
Knapheide's Crane Body line is versatile enough to withstand everything from light to heavy duty working environments. Our 30,000 ft.-lb., 38,000 ft.-lb. and 60,000 ft.-lb. Crane Bodies are designed to provide enough storage while boasting the capacity to lift your maximum sized loads. Whatever your application may be, municipal, construction, heavy equipment maintenance, Knapheide has the right Crane Body for you.
Here's an example of the major features of the 30,000 ft.-lb 30J Knapheide Crane Body:
Rugged 14 gauge two-sided A-40 galvanneal steel body shell
- Crane compartment is reinforced to support up to a 30,000 ft-lb. crane
- Torsion box understructure design strengthens floor to resist flexing
- Compartment tops and backs (cargo area) have 1/8” tread plate overlays to withstand jobsite abuse
- Knapheide’s exclusive “return flange” floor design provides support for side compartments, adds floor strength and eliminates a rust-prone exposed seam between floor and side compartments
- Double shell, 20 gauge two-sided A-40 galvanneal steel hat section reinforced doors for durability and long life
- Thick automotive bulb-type neoprene door seals protect compartment contents from the outside elements
- All stainless steel continuous hinges for security and paddle-activated, rotary style latches for durability
- Interior light guards to protect your lights from cargo abuse
- 250lb. capacity adjustable divider shelves
- Complete immersion in Knapheide’s electrodeposition prime paint system for superior corrosion resistance
Outrigger Package
Master Locking System
and Codeable lock
DLH Crane Bumper
Cable Steps
7-Drawer Cabinet
DL Crane Bumper
LED Light Kit
And that's just to name a few of the more popular options. We can have a custom body built for you if you need. Give West Coast Truck Equipment a call at 916-376-0690 and let us tailor the perfect body at the perfect price for you.
Construction Consultants Help Against Construction Claims
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On the construction web page, the waste of time and supplies, and even damage to property is a frequent, often daily occurrence.
Nobody can prevent natural forces that destroy the site, but construction delays caused by the contractors' negligence, or even individual injury and loss of materials can be avoided or resolved. Rarely is a webpage maintained perfectly with out any difficulties, so you have to have an individual on your side fighting for your rights, ensuring that all the other parties are working as agreed.
When you are working with many contractors and sub-contractors such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters and other individuals to total a project, it is not uncommon to encounter problems that could form the basis of construction claims. This indicates that a prudent provider must seek construction claims consulting to protect their interests.
A consultant can represent your interests in case you need to have to file a claim against another person or yet another party files a lawsuit against your provider. Consultants in this field function to establish the strength of claims, give consideration to the selections, defend your business or assert your claims. Here are just some of the items a construction solicitor or construction consultant can do for you
Analyze delays
A construction claims consultant evaluates the cause of delays in projects to figure out legal responsibility and carries out monetary analysis to estimate the amount the delay will cost. Clearly, the consultant should certainly be familiar with project management within the construction industry, with planning technique, and the nuances of distinct experts who participate in the project.
Assess damages
Consultants also evaluate and estimate damages involved due to project delays, injuries, errors on the job and much more. A delay, injury or even lost or delayed delivery of materials creates a ripple effect in any project. These can mean far more delays and additional expenses. The consultant can help decide the extent of any such losses which will form the basis of a claim for damages.
Decide Breakdown and Suggest Corrective Action
A consultant with construction claims experience need to be able to identify why a delay or breakdown happened and then produce a workable solution to remedy the situation. The consultant need to be familiar with the present construction laws such as creating codes and standards, and capable of recognizing deficiencies in design and supplies. They may well also provide project management experience to oversee the completion of a project.
Arbitration and Litigation
A consultant with construction claims experience could possibly also supply a professional, unbiased viewpoint should their expertise be required for arbitration and litigation. Engineering and architectural firms may possibly benefit from this type of consultant as can governmental agencies, contractors and construction firms. Having an individual like a construction claims consultant represent your interests is a smart move, in particular if you are not well-versed in the a lot of problems that can arise during construction projects.
Quality Management System for Construction Material Testing: A case study of Jupiter Inspection J/S Company
In recent years, there are many modern infrastructure which have been constructed with high-technology in Vietnam. However, the technical management is not caught up with the development of actual construction. Many serious accidents are still taken place causing numbers of deaths. Therefore, the management of construction work has been more and more taken into account. One of the solution for enhancement of construction work quality is to strengthen the inspection of construction quality by expanding the network of laboratory and auditing centers in all regions and industries in the country.
The activities of these laboratories have positively contributed to the construction quality and timely being into operation for the planning, design, construction and acceptance of such works as bridge and road, infrastructure, industrial and civil works. The development of civil industry, in general, and the activities of laboratories, in particular, are the reasons for the establishment of Quality Management System (QMS).
Ms. Nguyen Thi Vui made a case study, which objectives were to: (1) study QMS of company; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the QMS
Conclusions
Based on the result of the study, the quality management system in Jupiter Company was based on the ISO 9001:2008 requirement system. These are:
a) an organization structure, responsibility and authority in QMS which are regulated under the applied Law,
b) procedures of QMS (Operating procedure, Supporting procedure, and system management procedures),
c) resources for performing all activities in QMS,
d) document system, and
e) leadership representative of quality management system.
In general, although, there are some difficulties in the implementation of QMS, but still it has some remarkable effect such as follows:
1. Making the company manage the quality and operation of production line and trading activities systematically and in a planned method, in order to minimize and exclude all cost arising after inspection, as well as cost of maintenance and repeating of work.
2. Making company increase the efficiency and reduce cost of supply of means and facilities for people doing the job according to correct procedures from the beginning. As well as having close control, then the quantity of repeated work and cost for corrective actions carried out for defective products are limited, due to lack of control and reduction of consuming for time, material, human resource and money.
3. Increase the competition with other company due to the proper QMS. The company is now well qualified for bidding and might take part in many large and important projects such as Project for Expressway of HCM City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay; Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway; Trung Luong Can Tho Expressway. At the same time, it creates jobs for foreign countries such as TOA (Japan), BCOM (France), Hyder (UK), SMEC (Australia) Hanshin (Korea) Wilbur Smith (USA), and Nipon Koei (Japan).
The company’s prestige has improved in terms of quality security from the professional level of staff, document system, accuracy of equipments, making the test results with high accuracy. Besides, the progress of the project is always satisfactory with planned handing over schedule and then meeting the customer’s requirements as well.
In short, QMS is a correct solution, a unique way for the development and stability of the company. When QMS is supplied, internal force (organization) and external force (customer) will have mutual link in terms of benefits and responsibility, a solution for the benefits of many parties.
Her thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
The report expresses the key issues in Quality Management System (QMS) that known as the critical factor for organizations wants to develop and survive in the construction work.
This study, which refers to the theories and the standards system, has expressed the concept of quality in construction, the QMS in organization, requirements for QMS in construction materials testing and its benefits.
The study based on theoretical considerations as well as practical experience gained in the materials testing process. To ensure the correct identification of substances, to ensure that the processes undertaken.
Report the findings of a research study, which was undertaken to examine the underlying factors affecting the quality of a construction project. It also aims to identify factors that show a strong correlation to good quality performance. The aim of this report is to improve the quality of materials testing services and to define common quality assurance criteria.
The activities of these laboratories have positively contributed to the construction quality and timely being into operation for the planning, design, construction and acceptance of such works as bridge and road, infrastructure, industrial and civil works. The development of civil industry, in general, and the activities of laboratories, in particular, are the reasons for the establishment of Quality Management System (QMS).
Ms. Nguyen Thi Vui made a case study, which objectives were to: (1) study QMS of company; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the QMS
Conclusions
Based on the result of the study, the quality management system in Jupiter Company was based on the ISO 9001:2008 requirement system. These are:
a) an organization structure, responsibility and authority in QMS which are regulated under the applied Law,
b) procedures of QMS (Operating procedure, Supporting procedure, and system management procedures),
c) resources for performing all activities in QMS,
d) document system, and
e) leadership representative of quality management system.
In general, although, there are some difficulties in the implementation of QMS, but still it has some remarkable effect such as follows:
1. Making the company manage the quality and operation of production line and trading activities systematically and in a planned method, in order to minimize and exclude all cost arising after inspection, as well as cost of maintenance and repeating of work.
2. Making company increase the efficiency and reduce cost of supply of means and facilities for people doing the job according to correct procedures from the beginning. As well as having close control, then the quantity of repeated work and cost for corrective actions carried out for defective products are limited, due to lack of control and reduction of consuming for time, material, human resource and money.
3. Increase the competition with other company due to the proper QMS. The company is now well qualified for bidding and might take part in many large and important projects such as Project for Expressway of HCM City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay; Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway; Trung Luong Can Tho Expressway. At the same time, it creates jobs for foreign countries such as TOA (Japan), BCOM (France), Hyder (UK), SMEC (Australia) Hanshin (Korea) Wilbur Smith (USA), and Nipon Koei (Japan).
The company’s prestige has improved in terms of quality security from the professional level of staff, document system, accuracy of equipments, making the test results with high accuracy. Besides, the progress of the project is always satisfactory with planned handing over schedule and then meeting the customer’s requirements as well.
In short, QMS is a correct solution, a unique way for the development and stability of the company. When QMS is supplied, internal force (organization) and external force (customer) will have mutual link in terms of benefits and responsibility, a solution for the benefits of many parties.
Her thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
The report expresses the key issues in Quality Management System (QMS) that known as the critical factor for organizations wants to develop and survive in the construction work.
This study, which refers to the theories and the standards system, has expressed the concept of quality in construction, the QMS in organization, requirements for QMS in construction materials testing and its benefits.
The study based on theoretical considerations as well as practical experience gained in the materials testing process. To ensure the correct identification of substances, to ensure that the processes undertaken.
Report the findings of a research study, which was undertaken to examine the underlying factors affecting the quality of a construction project. It also aims to identify factors that show a strong correlation to good quality performance. The aim of this report is to improve the quality of materials testing services and to define common quality assurance criteria.
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Insurance and Surety Bonds: A Case Study of Petrochemical, Oil and Gas Projects in Myanmar and Thailand
Human beings, business firm, organization, government and society want security but everybody and property cannot be fixed and established because risk is generally underlying those. Risks can be easily understood among the projects, but they are difficult to describe. Construction projects require many resources such as financial capital, human resources and material resources. It is very important to mitigate the construction risks, and complete the project with target time and necessary quality. Analyses of the various risks and understanding of these risks are very important to mitigate these risks. The insurance company is of primary significant of the risk management. It shows that insurance is a form of risk management primarily used to avoid against the risk of a contingent loss (Tsanakas and Desli, 2005 cited in El-adaway and Kandil, 2009). Insurance is determined as the equitable risk transferring. The insured need to pay equitable insurance rates called premium to insurance company (Harrington and Niehaus, 2004 cited in El-adaway and Kandil, 2009).
The insurance premium payment is a major cost of project. If insurance is used, the premium must be paid in advance. If any losses happen in project, the project can get indemnification. However, the using of insurance can get loss of premiums. Therefore, the contract manager and risk manager need to consider about insurable risks. All kinds of insurable risks are not insured. Bunni (2003) mentioned that classification of risks on the basic insurability is shown in figure below.
There are many risks in the construction project. Each project activity may be its own risks such as occurrence of physical damages, accidents, materials delivery delays, unforeseeable problems, unforeseeable site conditions, natural hazards, political affects, etc. These risks will affect to the client, contractor, design professional, employees, third party and public. For instance, the contractor cannot be able to finish the project with contract price because of the economic situation and changes, the site condition changes, the difficulties of resources and others. Therefore, contractor’s default is one of the most important risks in construction projects (Arditi et al. 2000 cited in Al-Sobiei et al. 2005).
Contractor’s risks cannot be eliminated by the client, but it can be partly or totally transferred to the bonds (Al-Sobiei et al. 2005). When the project meets the unforeseeable contractor’s failure, it is very difficult to finish on time because the projects may have financial difficulties, delays and others. However, the surety bonds can provide to the client as a guarantee to complete the project and defaulting financial payment from the contractor (Russell, 1990; Mills, 2001).
Ms. Kyawt Phyu Phyu made a case study which objectives were to : (1) study insurable risks which can be managed using insurance and surety bonds; (2) study the insurance and surety bonds in oil & gas and petrochemical projects; and (3) develop a framework on risk and insurance
Conclusions
Objective 1
It was found out that there are many kinds of risks in oil and gas and petrochemical projects. Their risk management (risk transfer) approaches are the insurance, surety bonds and other approaches. However, most of the appropriate risk transfer approaches are the insurance and surety bonds and the detailed conclusion for objective-2 are described in table below.
Objective 2
it was found out that most of the projects don’t have the same insurances and surety bonds because of their project nature, project types, different project parties, different risks management system. The insurance premiums are also different relating with risks, project types, company background and others. If the risks are high, insurance premiums are also high. There are eleven (11) kinds of insurance and four (4) kinds of bonds on petrochemical and oil & gas project in this research according to case study.
(i) Recommendation Insurances for offshore pipeline project
The recommendation insurances for offshore oil and gas projects according to case study are:
1. Construction All Risk Insurance
2. General Third Party Liability Insurance
3. Marine Hull and Machinery Insurance
4. Protection and Indemnity Insurance
5. Worker’s Compensation Insurance
6. Transportation Insurance
(ii) Recommendations Insurances for Transportation and Installation Offshore
Facilities Projects
The recommendation insurances for transportation and installation offshore facilities projects according to case study are:
1. Construction All Risk Insurance/ Erection All Risk Insurance
2. General Third Party Liability Insurance3. Worker’s Compensation Insurance
4. Marine Hull and Machinery Insurance
5. Protection and Indemnity Insurance
6. Transportation (Marine Cargo) Insurance
7. Builder All Risk Insurance
(iii) Recommendation Insurances for Urea Fertilizer Factory Projects
The recommendation insurances for Urea Fertilizer Projects according to case study are:
1. Construction All Risk Insurance/ Erection All Risk Insurance
2. Transportation Insurance
3. Fire and Exploration Insurance
4. Worker’s Compensation Insurance
5. General Third Party Liability Insurance
(iv) Recommendation Insurances for Refinery Projects
The recommendation insurances for refinery projects according to case study are:
1. Construction All Risk Insurance/ Erection All Risk Insurance
2. General Third Party Liability Insurance
3. Worker’s Compensation Insurance
4. Construction Plant and Equipment Insurances
5. Business Interruption Insurance
(v) Recommendation Surety Bonds for Petrochemical and Oil and Gas Projects
In petrochemical and oil and gas projects, bid bond is needed in the bidding stage. In the construction and operation phases, performance bond (bank guarantee) and advance payment bond are important according to case study.
Objective 3
Main types of insurable risks in petrochemical and oil and gas projects are loss of life and personnel injury, material damage, material in transit and contractor’s risks. The insurable risks for oil and gas projects are collusion, oil pollution related with marine property. The researcher shows the detailed level of respective insurable risks in below figure. The project’s participants transfer these kinds of insurable risks to insurance and surety bonds, and the detailed descriptions are mentioned in figure below.
Her thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
There are many uncertainties, risks and probability and possibility of loss of chance in every firm, business, projects and human beings. The oil and gas project and petrochemical projects have many uncertainties and risks because these projects are related with geological risks, probability of existing oil, oceanography, and others. Insurance and surety bond are very important in projects because they can protect the risks, contractor’s default, and the project can get the financial and performance security. This study is emphasizing on insurable risks with appropriate types insurance and surety bonds.
This study emphasizes on the case study approach on petrochemical and oil and gas projects. The study was conducted to two oil and gas projects from Myanmar, two urea fertilizer projects from Myanmar and two refinery projects from Thailand to study types of insurable risks, insurance and surety bonds.
The insurance premium payment is a major cost of project. If insurance is used, the premium must be paid in advance. If any losses happen in project, the project can get indemnification. However, the using of insurance can get loss of premiums. Therefore, the contract manager and risk manager need to consider about insurable risks. All kinds of insurable risks are not insured. Bunni (2003) mentioned that classification of risks on the basic insurability is shown in figure below.
There are many risks in the construction project. Each project activity may be its own risks such as occurrence of physical damages, accidents, materials delivery delays, unforeseeable problems, unforeseeable site conditions, natural hazards, political affects, etc. These risks will affect to the client, contractor, design professional, employees, third party and public. For instance, the contractor cannot be able to finish the project with contract price because of the economic situation and changes, the site condition changes, the difficulties of resources and others. Therefore, contractor’s default is one of the most important risks in construction projects (Arditi et al. 2000 cited in Al-Sobiei et al. 2005).
Contractor’s risks cannot be eliminated by the client, but it can be partly or totally transferred to the bonds (Al-Sobiei et al. 2005). When the project meets the unforeseeable contractor’s failure, it is very difficult to finish on time because the projects may have financial difficulties, delays and others. However, the surety bonds can provide to the client as a guarantee to complete the project and defaulting financial payment from the contractor (Russell, 1990; Mills, 2001).
Ms. Kyawt Phyu Phyu made a case study which objectives were to : (1) study insurable risks which can be managed using insurance and surety bonds; (2) study the insurance and surety bonds in oil & gas and petrochemical projects; and (3) develop a framework on risk and insurance
Conclusions
Objective 1
It was found out that there are many kinds of risks in oil and gas and petrochemical projects. Their risk management (risk transfer) approaches are the insurance, surety bonds and other approaches. However, most of the appropriate risk transfer approaches are the insurance and surety bonds and the detailed conclusion for objective-2 are described in table below.
Objective 2
it was found out that most of the projects don’t have the same insurances and surety bonds because of their project nature, project types, different project parties, different risks management system. The insurance premiums are also different relating with risks, project types, company background and others. If the risks are high, insurance premiums are also high. There are eleven (11) kinds of insurance and four (4) kinds of bonds on petrochemical and oil & gas project in this research according to case study.
(i) Recommendation Insurances for offshore pipeline project
The recommendation insurances for offshore oil and gas projects according to case study are:
1. Construction All Risk Insurance
2. General Third Party Liability Insurance
3. Marine Hull and Machinery Insurance
4. Protection and Indemnity Insurance
5. Worker’s Compensation Insurance
6. Transportation Insurance
(ii) Recommendations Insurances for Transportation and Installation Offshore
Facilities Projects
The recommendation insurances for transportation and installation offshore facilities projects according to case study are:
1. Construction All Risk Insurance/ Erection All Risk Insurance
2. General Third Party Liability Insurance3. Worker’s Compensation Insurance
4. Marine Hull and Machinery Insurance
5. Protection and Indemnity Insurance
6. Transportation (Marine Cargo) Insurance
7. Builder All Risk Insurance
(iii) Recommendation Insurances for Urea Fertilizer Factory Projects
The recommendation insurances for Urea Fertilizer Projects according to case study are:
1. Construction All Risk Insurance/ Erection All Risk Insurance
2. Transportation Insurance
3. Fire and Exploration Insurance
4. Worker’s Compensation Insurance
5. General Third Party Liability Insurance
(iv) Recommendation Insurances for Refinery Projects
The recommendation insurances for refinery projects according to case study are:
1. Construction All Risk Insurance/ Erection All Risk Insurance
2. General Third Party Liability Insurance
3. Worker’s Compensation Insurance
4. Construction Plant and Equipment Insurances
5. Business Interruption Insurance
(v) Recommendation Surety Bonds for Petrochemical and Oil and Gas Projects
In petrochemical and oil and gas projects, bid bond is needed in the bidding stage. In the construction and operation phases, performance bond (bank guarantee) and advance payment bond are important according to case study.
Objective 3
Main types of insurable risks in petrochemical and oil and gas projects are loss of life and personnel injury, material damage, material in transit and contractor’s risks. The insurable risks for oil and gas projects are collusion, oil pollution related with marine property. The researcher shows the detailed level of respective insurable risks in below figure. The project’s participants transfer these kinds of insurable risks to insurance and surety bonds, and the detailed descriptions are mentioned in figure below.
Her thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
There are many uncertainties, risks and probability and possibility of loss of chance in every firm, business, projects and human beings. The oil and gas project and petrochemical projects have many uncertainties and risks because these projects are related with geological risks, probability of existing oil, oceanography, and others. Insurance and surety bond are very important in projects because they can protect the risks, contractor’s default, and the project can get the financial and performance security. This study is emphasizing on insurable risks with appropriate types insurance and surety bonds.
This study emphasizes on the case study approach on petrochemical and oil and gas projects. The study was conducted to two oil and gas projects from Myanmar, two urea fertilizer projects from Myanmar and two refinery projects from Thailand to study types of insurable risks, insurance and surety bonds.
Tayor Steinberg Talks About The Knapheide CNG Option For Their Service Body Lineup
Taylor Steinberg of Knapheide Manufacturing talks to Ryan Stone of Commercial Truck Success about the Knapheide CNG option for their service body line.
Recorded on March 9, 2011 at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis using a Flip Video camera.
Some information from the Knapheide website at http://www.knapheide.com/:
Compressed Natural Gas
Knapheide has invested in relationships with the two top CNG fuel system providers in the industry, BAF Technologies (Ford Chassis) and Baytech Corporation (GM Chassis). Because of these relationships, Knapheide has been able to develop work ready CNG fuel vehicles on both Ford and GM chassis. CNG has become a popular choice for large fleets due to the significantly lower operating costs compared to gas or diesel vehicles. CNG fueled vehicles emit 30% less greenhouse gas compared to gas or diesel vehicles. Over 98% of natural gas is produced in North America allowing the United States to rely less on foreign oil as a fuel source.
Direct benefits to fleets/end users that convert to compressed natural gas include:
- CNG is eligible for the Federal Qualified Alternative Fuel Motor Vehicle credit
- On-site CNG fueling stations offer additiional benefits to large fleets with dedicated work routes
- CNG engines emit 80% less noise compared to diesel engines
- CNG offers a lower fuel cost and longer vehicle life expectancy for fleet vehicles
- CNG packages are available for many popular commercial vehicles and retrofits for existing vehicles
Tommy Gate Introduces Its New Cantilever Liftgate
Tommy Gate is proud to announce the launch of its Cantilever Series, the all-new hydraulic lift specifically designed for commercial panel vans, including the Mercedes-Benz SPRINTER, Nissan NV, and Chevy EXPRESS.
Attendees at the 2011 NTEA Work Truck Show saw an early demo of the Tommy Gate Cantilever and a few prototypes have been in various stages of testing around the country for the past several months. However, the factory production lines have just recently been completed at Tommy Gate’s manufacturing plant in Woodbine, Iowa.
Tommy Gate’s engineering team has been developing the new lift for over two years and designed the Cantilever Series with a focus on operator safety and functional reliability. The numerous features included create a hydraulic lift that is not only state-of-the-art and aesthetically pleasing, but also highly functional and surprisingly convenient:
- bolt-on installation eliminates welding
- large, aluminum platform is corrosion-resistant and pallet-jack compatible
- lift controls have been carefully placed to ensure operator safety
- laterally-folding platform allows access to rear of vehicle when not in use
- standard cart stops and internal bridge mounts make the lift extremely cart-friendly
Find a distributor by using Tommy Gate’s Distributor Locator at http://www.tommygate.com/ or email marketing@tommygate.com for more info.
Orientation Risk Management Model for Pre-Bidding Process in Low-Income Housing Projects With Public Private Partnership in Vietnam
Although PPP is not a new approach to access infrastructure capital mobilizing in the world, this model has just applied in Vietnam since 2000s (DPI, 2010). The incompletion framework of PPP is one of the barriers that private sector could not be accessed to low income housing projects. As a result, there are only 6 projects which have been launched until 2009 Ngan Ha (2010, Jan 21), and all of them had an investor collection process without tendering process. This reality is not only “crowding out” private participation but also increasing the overall risk to the GOV in its PPP program (WB, 2008).
In order to improve this situation, in early 2010, GOV issued new 108 Decree to replace 78 Decree which was applied before. Thus, PPP procurement process is now clearer than before. Project partner must be selected through transparent tender bidding & negotiation phase. Hence, with the new regulation, risk evaluation plays a critical role in pre-bidding period.
Nevertheless, according to World Bank report (2008), in Vietnam current situation, ‘projects are not very well developed before they are bid out’. This is a key point needed to be thoroughly comprehended by stakeholders if they do not want to be ineffective of PPP program.
Mr. Vu Tuyet Mai made a research to find out the answer for the following questions:
1. What are the risks included in pre-bidding process for every aspect of PPP stakeholders who have difference objectives, functions, risk perception, how to manage those risks properly based on stakeholder’s competence and experience?
2. What is the existing risk management model which is used by stakeholders in the PPP low income housing projects running without bidding process in Vietnam?
3. What are the basic differences and how to capture the new risk management model from existing one?
The objectives of his research were to: (1) investigate risk factors can occur in pre-bidding stage for stakeholders of PPP low-income housing projects when apply the new regulation in Vietnam; (2) find out the existing critical risk factors in pre-bidding stage of low-income housing project in Vietnam; and (3) develop the risk management model in pre-bidding stage to help PPP stakeholders to achieve individual and project objectives under the new regulation.
Conclusion
Even though PPP model is familiar to infrastructure projects in general and low income housing project in particular around the world, it was just piloted in Vietnam recently, and now is in the improvement process. In parallel with gradual correction of policy system is the comprehension of related partners in project structure about risk management orientation. Hence, the goal of this thesis is pursuing this orientation to partly contribute to the completion process.
The result of the first objective is that the risk factors can face stakeholders in LIHPs would be investigated follow bidding process which should be applied in PPP practices. Thus, public sector plays the most important role in pre-bidding process and takes responsibility of social outcome. As a result, they take 19 risk factors in whole pre-bidding process, much higher if it will compare with 7 risk factors of private sector and debt funder.
The result of objective number 2 is that although all LIHPs in Vietnam now have not applied bidding regulation, those were analyzed exposed the real process of investor selection and their risk management related. In other words, those showed the evidences of real risk factors occurring now. Also, the ways stakeholders managed them and their result have been investigated.
For the last objective, the orientation model not only reduces many risk factor sprang from current selection process, but also recommend the solution to solve the risk related with policy and regulation in Vietnam now.
His thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
Risk management issue becomes more and more important in low income housing projects in Vietnam, especially in the transitional period of improvement of policy in recent years. Pursuing the suitable risk management model in pre-bidding process which needs to be applied from now as ruled in new regulations is the main propose of this thesis. In order to catch up requirements in pre-bidding, every stakeholder has to face with some determined risks to meet their needs. Moreover, current investment condition in low-income housing projects has contained many existing risk. Therefore, combination between risk simulation in pre-bidding and risk occurring could show the orientation of risk management model for the near future.
The thesis used methodology of case study analysis. After finding out risk factors in pre-bidding and verifying by experts, two most typical projects that run by PPP scheme have been chosen to analyze. The result of study shows that low-income housing project in Vietnam were challenged by many risk factors. They were caused by either current process of investor appointment or existing vague regulation and policy. For this reason, the thesis oriented the risk management model in order to reduce the main risks factor and transfer some risks to the sector enable to manage well. Obviously, this model needs to be perfected gradually through project by project and period by period. At least, the first model of risk management can help stakeholder to optimize their interest in low-income housing project with applying bidding process instead of investor selection before.
In order to improve this situation, in early 2010, GOV issued new 108 Decree to replace 78 Decree which was applied before. Thus, PPP procurement process is now clearer than before. Project partner must be selected through transparent tender bidding & negotiation phase. Hence, with the new regulation, risk evaluation plays a critical role in pre-bidding period.
Nevertheless, according to World Bank report (2008), in Vietnam current situation, ‘projects are not very well developed before they are bid out’. This is a key point needed to be thoroughly comprehended by stakeholders if they do not want to be ineffective of PPP program.
Mr. Vu Tuyet Mai made a research to find out the answer for the following questions:
1. What are the risks included in pre-bidding process for every aspect of PPP stakeholders who have difference objectives, functions, risk perception, how to manage those risks properly based on stakeholder’s competence and experience?
2. What is the existing risk management model which is used by stakeholders in the PPP low income housing projects running without bidding process in Vietnam?
3. What are the basic differences and how to capture the new risk management model from existing one?
The objectives of his research were to: (1) investigate risk factors can occur in pre-bidding stage for stakeholders of PPP low-income housing projects when apply the new regulation in Vietnam; (2) find out the existing critical risk factors in pre-bidding stage of low-income housing project in Vietnam; and (3) develop the risk management model in pre-bidding stage to help PPP stakeholders to achieve individual and project objectives under the new regulation.
Conclusion
Even though PPP model is familiar to infrastructure projects in general and low income housing project in particular around the world, it was just piloted in Vietnam recently, and now is in the improvement process. In parallel with gradual correction of policy system is the comprehension of related partners in project structure about risk management orientation. Hence, the goal of this thesis is pursuing this orientation to partly contribute to the completion process.
The result of the first objective is that the risk factors can face stakeholders in LIHPs would be investigated follow bidding process which should be applied in PPP practices. Thus, public sector plays the most important role in pre-bidding process and takes responsibility of social outcome. As a result, they take 19 risk factors in whole pre-bidding process, much higher if it will compare with 7 risk factors of private sector and debt funder.
The result of objective number 2 is that although all LIHPs in Vietnam now have not applied bidding regulation, those were analyzed exposed the real process of investor selection and their risk management related. In other words, those showed the evidences of real risk factors occurring now. Also, the ways stakeholders managed them and their result have been investigated.
For the last objective, the orientation model not only reduces many risk factor sprang from current selection process, but also recommend the solution to solve the risk related with policy and regulation in Vietnam now.
His thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
Risk management issue becomes more and more important in low income housing projects in Vietnam, especially in the transitional period of improvement of policy in recent years. Pursuing the suitable risk management model in pre-bidding process which needs to be applied from now as ruled in new regulations is the main propose of this thesis. In order to catch up requirements in pre-bidding, every stakeholder has to face with some determined risks to meet their needs. Moreover, current investment condition in low-income housing projects has contained many existing risk. Therefore, combination between risk simulation in pre-bidding and risk occurring could show the orientation of risk management model for the near future.
The thesis used methodology of case study analysis. After finding out risk factors in pre-bidding and verifying by experts, two most typical projects that run by PPP scheme have been chosen to analyze. The result of study shows that low-income housing project in Vietnam were challenged by many risk factors. They were caused by either current process of investor appointment or existing vague regulation and policy. For this reason, the thesis oriented the risk management model in order to reduce the main risks factor and transfer some risks to the sector enable to manage well. Obviously, this model needs to be perfected gradually through project by project and period by period. At least, the first model of risk management can help stakeholder to optimize their interest in low-income housing project with applying bidding process instead of investor selection before.
Knapheide Service Body Converted For CNG
Here is a Knapheide 9' Service Body w/2' Compartment for CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) conversion. This is shown mounted on a standard 1-ton 84" CA cab chassis and is commonly available from all major light duty chassis manufacturers. This body was on display at the 2011 NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Call West Coast Truck Equipment in West Sacramento, CA for all your service body needs. WCTE is a proud distributor of all of Knapheide's equipment. Give us a call at 916-376-0690 and visit our website at http://www.westcoasttruckequipment.com/.
New launch: TIANDI TJ-S2.43 SPMT's
THI-FLJ lauched new high loading capacity SPMT's -- TIANDI TJ-S2.43
Max payload 40T/axle line.
Claims in Building Construction of Pakistan: Statistical and Pathogenic Analysis
The Causes of Project failures in terms of cost over runs, schedule over runs and depleted quality have been identified particularly for different countries conducting case studies and questionnaire survey based upon the opinions of Employers, Consultants and Contractors operating in that Country. Generic identification of causes of claims in one country may not be very helpful for the other country and would not address the particular problems prevailing in the relevant Construction market of that country. According to Acharya et al. (2006), the sources and reasons of conflicts are different according to the nature of the projects and conditions of a particular country. The differences in the types and levels of conflicts from country to country are due to the unique local environment of the country in which the project is going to be executed. Therefore a study is required to investigate the frequently occurring causes of claims and their types in Building construction market of Pakistan. The sector of Building construction is chosen because Building construction is the sector in which both Public and Private sector clients invest and develop the projects; Economic downturn in the Industry and double digit inflation have already created problems for Employers and contractors to procure and to deliver the projects respectively. Therefore, the projects under planning stage should be planned and designed in such a comprehensive manner so that they could survive the harsh and tough market conditions of Pakistan.
Causes and types of claims provide an insight into the list of factors responsible for the development of claims but lack in identifying the underlying causes of claims. Love et al. (2010) also state that many of the causes of claims and disputes identified in many studies are not dissimilar in nature and moreover do not identify the underlying causes of disputes which are essential if the reduction in claim and dispute potential is required. Therefore, it is required to find the pathogenic influences on the causes of claims and disputes so that proactive measures could be aligned in organization rather than aligning reactive measures.
Mr. Hassan Ashraf made a research in order to reduce the dispute potential in project beforehand and to view causal factors behind disputes through holistic approach. The objectives of his study were to : (1) identify the critical causes and types of claims against frequency of occurrence, degree of severity and level of importance in the Building Projects of Pakistan; (2) identify the Pathogenic Influence on the causes of claims in Building Projects of Pakistan; and (3) To propose recommendations for the minimization of claims and disputes.
Conclusions
1. Causes of Claims
Competitive market conditions, delayed payments by the Employer, ineffective planning and scheduling by contractor, poor financial management of the contractor, price hike of materials, improper technical study by the contractor during the bidding stage of the project, are the causes which have been identified as critical causes of claims against level of importance based on overall response. The causes are mainly related to economic conditions of Pakistan which lead to less number of construction projects resulting into tight competition for project award, these tight competition forces contractors to bid low and then proceeds for claims practice at the later stages of the project. Contractor’s incompetence and market inflation also lead to claim causation due to poor quality of work and escalated costs of work respectively. It was also seen from both case study of project “A” and the response of survey that inadequate early planning of the project also lead to claim causation due to limited understanding of Employer about the project and what is really required out of the project.
Scope changes and design changes and variations are most of the times caused by inadequate early planning of the project by the Employer. It has also been seen that regulatory and execution delays in terms of delays in obtaining permits also lead to claims and even disputes like in project “C” the conflict between Employer and Contractor was developed due to unavailability of permit `and consequently the contract was suspended and ultimately terminated by Employer which led to Claims by Contractor and counter claims by Employer.
It is seen that poor financial management of the contractor also leads to claims and this fact is endorsed by Contractors themselves by ranking this cause very high on scale of frequency and severity, this result leads to an interesting yet critical finding that delays in payments by the Employer would certainly push the contractor to adopt extreme measures in order to get its payment and to keep its company alive; most of the times this cause leads to conflicts and ultimately become the cause of suspension of works by Contractor. So, this is to be understood by Employers that Contractors should be assisted in terms of timely financial compensation as their financial management is already poor and delays could lead to conflicts and disputes. Studying the project details, evaluating costs and assessing the risks properly also leads to reduction of conflicts and claims in implementation phase of the project, Cause “Improper technical study during bidding stage of the project” was ranked high on the scale of frequency and degree of severity which shows that this is a cause of considerable importance.
2. Types of Claims
Extra Work Claims and Change Claims were found to be mostly occurring according to overall response. However, according to Employer’s response extra work claims and change claims were found to be critical types against level of importance and Delay claims, change claims, delayed payment claims, and extra work claims were found to be critical types against level of importance based on consultant’s response. Similarly, according to contractor delay claims, extra work claims, changes claims, delayed payment claims and design error & omission claims are critical types of claims against level of importance. These results signify that extra work claims and change claims are quite important types of claims in the Building construction of Pakistan and if the claims need to be minimized then it could be thought that reduction in these two types of claims would certainly help in mitigating the negative impact of claims on the project performance.
3. Pathogenic Influence on the Causation of Claims
Pathogenic influence was determined by identifying the causation of claims from case studies and then finding out the reasons for these causations. Mostly it was found out that task, Practice and Circumstance were the three pathogens which were mostly responsible for claim causations; Convention and Organization pathogens were also found out to be present but mostly practice, task and Circumstance pathogens gave rise to claim causations. Also, it is worth to be noted that Circumstance pathogen is the critical pathogen as it leads to the development of the other pathogens.
Recommendations for the minimization of claims are as follows:
• Adequate planning of the project needs to be done by the Employer in terms of major and minor deliverables of the project, financing issues, availability of technical resources with the Employer to get the project executed effectively.
• Engaging experienced Design consultants for the Design development in such a way that errors and omissions don’t take place in the Design Documents and the Design produced is workable and practical. Also, preparation of Tender Documents should be prepared with no ambiguities and errors. Pre-Bid meetings must be arranged to clarify the reservations/misunderstanding of contractors if any.
• Procuring project is the most crucial aspect in terms of preventing or minimizing claims. Claims generate from the poor analysis and allocation of risks among stakeholders of the project. Considering the project complexity and financial constraints, projects should be procured with such innovative contractual schemes where risks are rightly distributed among all stakeholders. Unjust allocation of risks will ultimately result in conflicts, claims and disputes which need to be avoided for smooth completion of the project.
• Standard form of contracts should be used on projects to increase the understanding of the contractual provisions and contractual provision for “price Adjustment” should be drafted in such a way that inflation and price hike of materials and equipment could be adjusted without creating any conflicts and disputes.
• Cooperative and problem solving approach should be employed on a project which is called as partnering so that negative attitudes which could lead to conflicts and misunderstanding are minimized.
• Engaging third party to review the contractual documents prepared for bidding purposes. This would help in decreasing the errors and ambiguities in documents which would later help in smooth execution of project.
• Escrow-of- bid documents clause need to be mentioned in the contract agreement so as to avoid the opportunistic behavior of the contractors during the course of execution.
His thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
Construction industry is getting competitive and complex due to increasing demands of the Employers and global economic downturn. This complex environment leads to claims and dispute causation which is totally counterproductive for the project Success. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the types, causes of claims against the frequency of occurrence, degree of severity and level of importance so that preventive and corrective measures could be taken accordingly. Causes and types of claims provide the information on the elements which are responsible for claim and dispute causation in general terms with no pin pointing detail. For that matter, Pathogenic influence on the causation of claims was determined in order to know the practices, tasks, circumstances and other pathogens which lead to claim and dispute causation.
Data analysis was done on the responses of 59 respondents belonging to all three target populations i.e. Employer, Consultant and Contractor. Causes and types of claims were ranked against frequency, severity and level of importance. Most important causes which have been revealed from this study are delayed payments by the Employer, competitive market forcing contractors to bid low leading to tight profit margins, ineffective planning and scheduling by Contractor, poor financial management of the Contractor, price hike of materials and increased rentals of plant & equipment, and improper technical study by the Contractor during bidding stage of the project. For types of claims, extra work claims and change claims found out to be the most critical. Case studies were conducted to figure out the pathogenic influence on claims causation; Practice, task and circumstance pathogens were found to be the main pathogens responsible for claim and dispute causation. Recommendations were developed specifically for Employers, Consultants and Contractors with the theme of preventing and avoiding claim causation.
Key Words: Claims, Pathogens, Building Construction, Causes of Claims, Types of Claims, Pathogens and Types of Claims.
Causes and types of claims provide an insight into the list of factors responsible for the development of claims but lack in identifying the underlying causes of claims. Love et al. (2010) also state that many of the causes of claims and disputes identified in many studies are not dissimilar in nature and moreover do not identify the underlying causes of disputes which are essential if the reduction in claim and dispute potential is required. Therefore, it is required to find the pathogenic influences on the causes of claims and disputes so that proactive measures could be aligned in organization rather than aligning reactive measures.
Mr. Hassan Ashraf made a research in order to reduce the dispute potential in project beforehand and to view causal factors behind disputes through holistic approach. The objectives of his study were to : (1) identify the critical causes and types of claims against frequency of occurrence, degree of severity and level of importance in the Building Projects of Pakistan; (2) identify the Pathogenic Influence on the causes of claims in Building Projects of Pakistan; and (3) To propose recommendations for the minimization of claims and disputes.
Conclusions
1. Causes of Claims
Competitive market conditions, delayed payments by the Employer, ineffective planning and scheduling by contractor, poor financial management of the contractor, price hike of materials, improper technical study by the contractor during the bidding stage of the project, are the causes which have been identified as critical causes of claims against level of importance based on overall response. The causes are mainly related to economic conditions of Pakistan which lead to less number of construction projects resulting into tight competition for project award, these tight competition forces contractors to bid low and then proceeds for claims practice at the later stages of the project. Contractor’s incompetence and market inflation also lead to claim causation due to poor quality of work and escalated costs of work respectively. It was also seen from both case study of project “A” and the response of survey that inadequate early planning of the project also lead to claim causation due to limited understanding of Employer about the project and what is really required out of the project.
Scope changes and design changes and variations are most of the times caused by inadequate early planning of the project by the Employer. It has also been seen that regulatory and execution delays in terms of delays in obtaining permits also lead to claims and even disputes like in project “C” the conflict between Employer and Contractor was developed due to unavailability of permit `and consequently the contract was suspended and ultimately terminated by Employer which led to Claims by Contractor and counter claims by Employer.
It is seen that poor financial management of the contractor also leads to claims and this fact is endorsed by Contractors themselves by ranking this cause very high on scale of frequency and severity, this result leads to an interesting yet critical finding that delays in payments by the Employer would certainly push the contractor to adopt extreme measures in order to get its payment and to keep its company alive; most of the times this cause leads to conflicts and ultimately become the cause of suspension of works by Contractor. So, this is to be understood by Employers that Contractors should be assisted in terms of timely financial compensation as their financial management is already poor and delays could lead to conflicts and disputes. Studying the project details, evaluating costs and assessing the risks properly also leads to reduction of conflicts and claims in implementation phase of the project, Cause “Improper technical study during bidding stage of the project” was ranked high on the scale of frequency and degree of severity which shows that this is a cause of considerable importance.
2. Types of Claims
Extra Work Claims and Change Claims were found to be mostly occurring according to overall response. However, according to Employer’s response extra work claims and change claims were found to be critical types against level of importance and Delay claims, change claims, delayed payment claims, and extra work claims were found to be critical types against level of importance based on consultant’s response. Similarly, according to contractor delay claims, extra work claims, changes claims, delayed payment claims and design error & omission claims are critical types of claims against level of importance. These results signify that extra work claims and change claims are quite important types of claims in the Building construction of Pakistan and if the claims need to be minimized then it could be thought that reduction in these two types of claims would certainly help in mitigating the negative impact of claims on the project performance.
3. Pathogenic Influence on the Causation of Claims
Pathogenic influence was determined by identifying the causation of claims from case studies and then finding out the reasons for these causations. Mostly it was found out that task, Practice and Circumstance were the three pathogens which were mostly responsible for claim causations; Convention and Organization pathogens were also found out to be present but mostly practice, task and Circumstance pathogens gave rise to claim causations. Also, it is worth to be noted that Circumstance pathogen is the critical pathogen as it leads to the development of the other pathogens.
Recommendations for the minimization of claims are as follows:
• Adequate planning of the project needs to be done by the Employer in terms of major and minor deliverables of the project, financing issues, availability of technical resources with the Employer to get the project executed effectively.
• Engaging experienced Design consultants for the Design development in such a way that errors and omissions don’t take place in the Design Documents and the Design produced is workable and practical. Also, preparation of Tender Documents should be prepared with no ambiguities and errors. Pre-Bid meetings must be arranged to clarify the reservations/misunderstanding of contractors if any.
• Procuring project is the most crucial aspect in terms of preventing or minimizing claims. Claims generate from the poor analysis and allocation of risks among stakeholders of the project. Considering the project complexity and financial constraints, projects should be procured with such innovative contractual schemes where risks are rightly distributed among all stakeholders. Unjust allocation of risks will ultimately result in conflicts, claims and disputes which need to be avoided for smooth completion of the project.
• Standard form of contracts should be used on projects to increase the understanding of the contractual provisions and contractual provision for “price Adjustment” should be drafted in such a way that inflation and price hike of materials and equipment could be adjusted without creating any conflicts and disputes.
• Cooperative and problem solving approach should be employed on a project which is called as partnering so that negative attitudes which could lead to conflicts and misunderstanding are minimized.
• Engaging third party to review the contractual documents prepared for bidding purposes. This would help in decreasing the errors and ambiguities in documents which would later help in smooth execution of project.
• Escrow-of- bid documents clause need to be mentioned in the contract agreement so as to avoid the opportunistic behavior of the contractors during the course of execution.
His thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
Construction industry is getting competitive and complex due to increasing demands of the Employers and global economic downturn. This complex environment leads to claims and dispute causation which is totally counterproductive for the project Success. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the types, causes of claims against the frequency of occurrence, degree of severity and level of importance so that preventive and corrective measures could be taken accordingly. Causes and types of claims provide the information on the elements which are responsible for claim and dispute causation in general terms with no pin pointing detail. For that matter, Pathogenic influence on the causation of claims was determined in order to know the practices, tasks, circumstances and other pathogens which lead to claim and dispute causation.
Data analysis was done on the responses of 59 respondents belonging to all three target populations i.e. Employer, Consultant and Contractor. Causes and types of claims were ranked against frequency, severity and level of importance. Most important causes which have been revealed from this study are delayed payments by the Employer, competitive market forcing contractors to bid low leading to tight profit margins, ineffective planning and scheduling by Contractor, poor financial management of the Contractor, price hike of materials and increased rentals of plant & equipment, and improper technical study by the Contractor during bidding stage of the project. For types of claims, extra work claims and change claims found out to be the most critical. Case studies were conducted to figure out the pathogenic influence on claims causation; Practice, task and circumstance pathogens were found to be the main pathogens responsible for claim and dispute causation. Recommendations were developed specifically for Employers, Consultants and Contractors with the theme of preventing and avoiding claim causation.
Key Words: Claims, Pathogens, Building Construction, Causes of Claims, Types of Claims, Pathogens and Types of Claims.
Dump Truck Design 101 - What Do I Need to Know to Buy a Dump Truck?
A dump truck can be defined as a vehicle used for the transportation of different types of loose materials such as sand, gravel, dirt, etc. This truck is typically equipped with a hydraulically operated dump bed with a hinged back. If you are locally searching or on the internet looking for dump trucks for sale, you might be surprised by the sheer number of types, configurations, and sizes that are available for purchase. So before heading out to buy one of these trucks, it is important to determine what design will best suit your work requirements.
When choosing a commercial dump vehicle for your business, it is important to know that these trucks come in various designs depending on their particular application. You need to take into consideration if the design is suitable for your work requirements. They are categorized based on bed types and style of dumping as well as the number of axles, the terrain for which it is better suited, the design of the body frame, and most importantly its capacity.
In this article, for those of you looking for dump trucks, let's look at some of the different types of truck designs to determine which dump type is suitable for your business.
Standard Truck
The standard dump truck design is a truck frame mounted with an open box bed that can be raised via a hydraulic pump located between the cab and the dump body; the tailgate on the end is typically hinged. The standard truck is single bodied with one front axle and one or more rear axles, either powered or not powered. The short wheelbase of the standard truck makes the truck more maneuverable than other dump vehicle types with higher capacity. It is ideally suited for road driving with a good variable capacity.
Transfer Truck
A transfer dump truck is basically a standard dump truck that pulls a separate trailer which can also be loaded. When the main dump box is empty, the secondary trailer will roll onto the empty main dump box to dump its load, thereby maximizing payload capacity without sacrificing maneuverability.
Super Truck
To solve the payload restriction in some states, the super dump truck is equipped with a trailing axle. The trailing axle is retractable and is used only when the payload is over the maximum payload limit. The trailing axle is designed to carry the extra weight of the payload, distributing the weight to a much wider ground area in order to meet the load limit.
Semi Trailer End Dump Truck
The semi end dump is a tractor-trailer combination where the trailer has the hydraulic hoist. It is advantageous because of its large capacity as well as its ability to rapidly unload. The disadvantage is that it can be unstable when the dumping location is uneven as well as be difficult to back up.
Semi Trailer Bottom Dump Truck
The semi trailer bottom truck is similar to the semi trailer end truck in basic design. The trailer differs by having a clam shell type dump gate in the belly of the trailer. This gives this truck the ability to lay down material in a linear row. In addition, this version is maneuverable in reverse. The disadvantage is that it is limited as to the type of spreading activity that it can perform.
Semi Trailer Side Dump Truck
This truck is also a tractor-trailer design with the trailer equipped to allow the dump body to tilt onto its side and spill the material being carried to either the right or left side. It is much more immune to tipping over when dumping unlike the semi end dump which is very prone to tipping over. The side dump can tip over if the dumping is stopped prematurely.
Articulated Dump Truck (ADT)
Standard trucks and trailer trucks with their rigid frames joining the cab and the dump body into basically one unit are great for most paved road driving applications. On uneven and rough terrain conditions, the weight of the payload can cause undue strain and fatigue on the frame. Such work conditions are better handled by an articulated truck. An ADT has a hinge between the cab and the dump box yet, unlike the semi trailer designs, the cab is a permanent fixture and not a separate vehicle.
As you can see, the design of the various types of commercial dump vehicles greatly affects the truck's ability to function in different hauling and dumping situations. Being familiar with the different designs is imperative if looking to purchase a dump truck in an unstable economy. Study the different types, do your homework, and select the best truck for your business!
Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in Dump Truck Sales. If you are interested in learning more about quality used specialty trucks, please contact us by visiting our main site: http://www.centraltrucksales.net/home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4952425
When choosing a commercial dump vehicle for your business, it is important to know that these trucks come in various designs depending on their particular application. You need to take into consideration if the design is suitable for your work requirements. They are categorized based on bed types and style of dumping as well as the number of axles, the terrain for which it is better suited, the design of the body frame, and most importantly its capacity.
In this article, for those of you looking for dump trucks, let's look at some of the different types of truck designs to determine which dump type is suitable for your business.
Standard Truck
The standard dump truck design is a truck frame mounted with an open box bed that can be raised via a hydraulic pump located between the cab and the dump body; the tailgate on the end is typically hinged. The standard truck is single bodied with one front axle and one or more rear axles, either powered or not powered. The short wheelbase of the standard truck makes the truck more maneuverable than other dump vehicle types with higher capacity. It is ideally suited for road driving with a good variable capacity.
Transfer Truck
A transfer dump truck is basically a standard dump truck that pulls a separate trailer which can also be loaded. When the main dump box is empty, the secondary trailer will roll onto the empty main dump box to dump its load, thereby maximizing payload capacity without sacrificing maneuverability.
Super Truck
To solve the payload restriction in some states, the super dump truck is equipped with a trailing axle. The trailing axle is retractable and is used only when the payload is over the maximum payload limit. The trailing axle is designed to carry the extra weight of the payload, distributing the weight to a much wider ground area in order to meet the load limit.
Semi Trailer End Dump Truck
The semi end dump is a tractor-trailer combination where the trailer has the hydraulic hoist. It is advantageous because of its large capacity as well as its ability to rapidly unload. The disadvantage is that it can be unstable when the dumping location is uneven as well as be difficult to back up.
Semi Trailer Bottom Dump Truck
The semi trailer bottom truck is similar to the semi trailer end truck in basic design. The trailer differs by having a clam shell type dump gate in the belly of the trailer. This gives this truck the ability to lay down material in a linear row. In addition, this version is maneuverable in reverse. The disadvantage is that it is limited as to the type of spreading activity that it can perform.
Semi Trailer Side Dump Truck
This truck is also a tractor-trailer design with the trailer equipped to allow the dump body to tilt onto its side and spill the material being carried to either the right or left side. It is much more immune to tipping over when dumping unlike the semi end dump which is very prone to tipping over. The side dump can tip over if the dumping is stopped prematurely.
Articulated Dump Truck (ADT)
Standard trucks and trailer trucks with their rigid frames joining the cab and the dump body into basically one unit are great for most paved road driving applications. On uneven and rough terrain conditions, the weight of the payload can cause undue strain and fatigue on the frame. Such work conditions are better handled by an articulated truck. An ADT has a hinge between the cab and the dump box yet, unlike the semi trailer designs, the cab is a permanent fixture and not a separate vehicle.
As you can see, the design of the various types of commercial dump vehicles greatly affects the truck's ability to function in different hauling and dumping situations. Being familiar with the different designs is imperative if looking to purchase a dump truck in an unstable economy. Study the different types, do your homework, and select the best truck for your business!
Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in Dump Truck Sales. If you are interested in learning more about quality used specialty trucks, please contact us by visiting our main site: http://www.centraltrucksales.net/home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4952425
Strategic Management Implementation of Vietnamese Construction Organizations
Nowadays, more and more foreign companies invest into developing countries which have a lot of potentialities and Vietnam is one of them. Besides that, Vietnam’s participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) in November 2006 also brings numerous opportunities for domestic and foreign investors.
Therefore, Vietnam construction industry in generally speaking or Vietnam’s property market is facing with many opportunities and is considered long term potential market for both domestic and foreign investors. If Vietnam has strategic planning, goal development, good vision, and mission or knows what the steps should be executed for the future market, chance of success is a seeable thing. On the other hand, strategic planning and implementation management is an important key which will lead to success.
But in Vietnam, strategic management receives less attention. Some companies or organizations think that the future can be depended by many factors which related to God. Besides that, Vietnam’s investment climate is change slowly which affected to investment abilities of investors. According to Haley (2000), that is the barriers prompted many investors to leave.
Mr. Nguyen Tuan Tu made a case study which major objective was to find ways to improve the Vietnamese construction companies in related to planning and implementing in strategic management (focus on implemented in strategic management). To support his major objective, three sub-objectives were needed to accomplished:
• To study about strategic planning development and implementation of companies from the top to operational structure in public and private contractors.
• To analyze the critical problems in strategic management implementation in public and private contractors.
• To conclusion and propose recommendations to improve the implementation in strategic management applicable for Vietnamese construction organizations.
Conclusion
To study about strategic planning development and implementation of companies from the top to operational structure in public and private contractors
Strategic planning development and implementation of public and private contractors were defined following vision statement application, organizational structure, leadership style, organizational culture and project management style. The results indicated that there were many significant differences between two groups in strategic management implementation and T-test was used to analyze the mean of those significant differences.
Specifically, public contractors have mechanistic system, task oriented leadership style with focusing on rules and procedures while private contractors have organic system, relations-oriented leadership style focusing on relationship between leader and members, communication among each members. Besides that, public contractors pay attention on hierarchy culture because of stability and performance with efficient operation but private contractors are different. Competitiveness and productivity were paid attention so marketing culture is suitable to private contractors.
To analyze the critical problems in strategic management implementation in public and private contractors
From the results of objective 1 and respondents’ experience in data collection, five critical problems which affect to strategic management implementation in public and private contractors were discussed. There were four critical problems having significant difference between two groups such as: strategic manager is not enough managerial skill to monitor implementation strategies, organization has rigid structure following rules and procedures so a result control mechanism may be ineffective, networking structure in organization is limited in each department and financial risk affects to strategy implementation. The mean of public contractors is always greater than private contractors; it means public contractors agreed with those problems appearing in their organization. To solve those problems, suggestions or recommendations can be delivered as follows; top management and supervisor team should involve to implementation in the organization. Besides that, top management or supervisor team also pay attention on networking which create good relationship between each member and to reduce the financial risk, top management must be careful in analyzing and allocating of budget.
Generally speaking, the main reason which created problems in each contractor is separately characteristics of organizational structure and leadership style. Or we can say that, organizational structure and leadership style will affect to culture in the organization. However, culture also plays an important role in establishing and solving problems in the organization. So to overcome those problems, management should participate not only in planning but also in implementation.
To propose recommendations to improve the implementation in strategic management applicable for Vietnamese construction organizations
The proposed framework of strategic management implementation has been suggested in figure below. First, strategic management implementation should be started with Leadership and commitment by top management combined with organizational structure. Work environment in the organization will be defined by three groups (work tasks, goals, procedures; work group behaviors and manager behaviors). Second, the process can be continuously done by effect of Leadership, commitment and organizational structure to organizational culture. From that point, organizational culture will affect to internal environment. In other hand, people attitude and behavior are main factors which affect to outcomes of organization. Finally, audit and evaluation are the keys to check whether strategic management has been implemented effectively in order to improve the organization and fulfilled existing gaps.
His thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
To gain and maintain a contractor’s competitive advantage is not easy as it depended on a large number of factors. In other words, identification of problems in strategic management implementation allows one to reduce the vast numbers of obstacles to bring back success for the organization. Based on literature review and expert’s experience, this study describes how Vietnamese public and private contractors implemented strategic management in their organization.
The study was surveyed in two big cities in southern of Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh and Can Tho city. Strategic management implementation can be delivered into framework, namely, leadership style, organizational structure, organizational culture and project management style. The result in this study indicated that there was significant difference between two groups contractor about strategic management implementation. From that point, it provides a vehicle for guiding a contractor in managing its organization in order to improve competitive advantage which helps them to survival in new market. Additionally, this study also provides insights into the management of competitiveness for contractors in operation of Vietnamese construction organization.
Keywords: Construction, Leadership style, Organizational structure, Organizational culture, Project management style, Strategic management, Implementation
Therefore, Vietnam construction industry in generally speaking or Vietnam’s property market is facing with many opportunities and is considered long term potential market for both domestic and foreign investors. If Vietnam has strategic planning, goal development, good vision, and mission or knows what the steps should be executed for the future market, chance of success is a seeable thing. On the other hand, strategic planning and implementation management is an important key which will lead to success.
But in Vietnam, strategic management receives less attention. Some companies or organizations think that the future can be depended by many factors which related to God. Besides that, Vietnam’s investment climate is change slowly which affected to investment abilities of investors. According to Haley (2000), that is the barriers prompted many investors to leave.
Mr. Nguyen Tuan Tu made a case study which major objective was to find ways to improve the Vietnamese construction companies in related to planning and implementing in strategic management (focus on implemented in strategic management). To support his major objective, three sub-objectives were needed to accomplished:
• To study about strategic planning development and implementation of companies from the top to operational structure in public and private contractors.
• To analyze the critical problems in strategic management implementation in public and private contractors.
• To conclusion and propose recommendations to improve the implementation in strategic management applicable for Vietnamese construction organizations.
Conclusion
To study about strategic planning development and implementation of companies from the top to operational structure in public and private contractors
Strategic planning development and implementation of public and private contractors were defined following vision statement application, organizational structure, leadership style, organizational culture and project management style. The results indicated that there were many significant differences between two groups in strategic management implementation and T-test was used to analyze the mean of those significant differences.
Specifically, public contractors have mechanistic system, task oriented leadership style with focusing on rules and procedures while private contractors have organic system, relations-oriented leadership style focusing on relationship between leader and members, communication among each members. Besides that, public contractors pay attention on hierarchy culture because of stability and performance with efficient operation but private contractors are different. Competitiveness and productivity were paid attention so marketing culture is suitable to private contractors.
To analyze the critical problems in strategic management implementation in public and private contractors
From the results of objective 1 and respondents’ experience in data collection, five critical problems which affect to strategic management implementation in public and private contractors were discussed. There were four critical problems having significant difference between two groups such as: strategic manager is not enough managerial skill to monitor implementation strategies, organization has rigid structure following rules and procedures so a result control mechanism may be ineffective, networking structure in organization is limited in each department and financial risk affects to strategy implementation. The mean of public contractors is always greater than private contractors; it means public contractors agreed with those problems appearing in their organization. To solve those problems, suggestions or recommendations can be delivered as follows; top management and supervisor team should involve to implementation in the organization. Besides that, top management or supervisor team also pay attention on networking which create good relationship between each member and to reduce the financial risk, top management must be careful in analyzing and allocating of budget.
Generally speaking, the main reason which created problems in each contractor is separately characteristics of organizational structure and leadership style. Or we can say that, organizational structure and leadership style will affect to culture in the organization. However, culture also plays an important role in establishing and solving problems in the organization. So to overcome those problems, management should participate not only in planning but also in implementation.
To propose recommendations to improve the implementation in strategic management applicable for Vietnamese construction organizations
The proposed framework of strategic management implementation has been suggested in figure below. First, strategic management implementation should be started with Leadership and commitment by top management combined with organizational structure. Work environment in the organization will be defined by three groups (work tasks, goals, procedures; work group behaviors and manager behaviors). Second, the process can be continuously done by effect of Leadership, commitment and organizational structure to organizational culture. From that point, organizational culture will affect to internal environment. In other hand, people attitude and behavior are main factors which affect to outcomes of organization. Finally, audit and evaluation are the keys to check whether strategic management has been implemented effectively in order to improve the organization and fulfilled existing gaps.
His thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
To gain and maintain a contractor’s competitive advantage is not easy as it depended on a large number of factors. In other words, identification of problems in strategic management implementation allows one to reduce the vast numbers of obstacles to bring back success for the organization. Based on literature review and expert’s experience, this study describes how Vietnamese public and private contractors implemented strategic management in their organization.
The study was surveyed in two big cities in southern of Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh and Can Tho city. Strategic management implementation can be delivered into framework, namely, leadership style, organizational structure, organizational culture and project management style. The result in this study indicated that there was significant difference between two groups contractor about strategic management implementation. From that point, it provides a vehicle for guiding a contractor in managing its organization in order to improve competitive advantage which helps them to survival in new market. Additionally, this study also provides insights into the management of competitiveness for contractors in operation of Vietnamese construction organization.
Keywords: Construction, Leadership style, Organizational structure, Organizational culture, Project management style, Strategic management, Implementation
Knuckle Boom or Articulating Cranes vs. Telescoping Cranes
The other type of common truck mounted crane shown above in pictures 1 and 3 is the articulating crane or often called a knuckle boom or cargo crane. They call it a knuckle crane because of the pivot knuckle which allows it to fold up to a compact size when not in use. This crane is extremely flexible and because of its unique design can lift large capacities with ease and super maneuverability. They are also lighter than the telescopic cranes (the knuckle boom or articulating crane can also telescope), and this allows for greater cargo capacity on the truck and greater space on the truck because it folds up to a small space relative to the other style crane. This type of crane operates much like your finger does.
The articulating crane as shown in the first picture here is often mounted behind the cab and forward of the body. It is common to call these knuckle boom cranes. This particular one is designed to lift very large weights as the heavy steel dump body next to it on the ground. In picture number 3, this is commonly referred to as an articulating crane and you can see how tightly it folds up so that it takes up very little space. These are used on ships a lot for that same reason. But, don't let the folded up size fool you, these are serious cranes and can do the job. There is also a great deal of flexibility in where on the bed the crane can be located which can really help in certain applications.
West Coast Truck Equipment in West Sacramento has a great selection of high quality cranes for every need from the 700 lb Spitzlift crane to a 11,000 lb capacity cranes or more. Give us a call at 916-376-0690 for more information.
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