Abstracts – Browse Results

Search or browse again.

Click on the titles below to expand the information about each abstract.
Viewing 6 results ...

Motawa, I and Kaka, A (2008) Payment mechanisms for integrated teams in construction. Construction Economics and Building, 8(02), 1-10.

Nani, G, Edwards, P, Adjei-Kumi, T, Badu, E and Amoah, P (2008) Customisation and desirable characteristics of a standard method of measurement for building works in Ghana. Construction Economics and Building, 8(02), 30-40.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: Building measurement; Ghana; SMM; bill of quantities
  • ISBN/ISSN: 1445-2634
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.5130/AJCEB.v8i2.3004
  • Abstract:
    This paper reports a study that identified and categorised the modifications to the 5th Edition of the British Standard Method of Measurement (SMM5) of building works in Ghana. Typical modifications involved ‘cost insignificant items’, ‘minor labour items’, ‘custom units of measurement’, ‘method related items’, ‘combinable items’, ‘subordinate items’, and ‘items of minor informative impact’. It was also observed that the desirable characteristics/ qualities of standard methods of measurement (SMM) of building work were noteworthy, since they provide insight into the nature of a SMM required for the construction industry in Ghana. The research reviewed available literature, various SMMs and bills of quantities (BQs).The relevance of the modifications and SMM characteristics identified was confirmed by a survey of the opinions of professional quantity surveyors conducted through a carefully designed questionnaire. Inferences from the opinion survey formed the basis for grouping both SMM modifications found and the desired qualities of a SMM for Ghana. Survey respondents confirmed all the identified modifications to the British SMM, except for the elimination of items of minor informative impact. It was held that all information was relevant in measurement. Desirable characteristics of a SMM were rated in decreasing order of relevance as: easy location of items; cost significance; simplicity; thoroughness; ease of cost analysis; good practice; conciseness; adoptability; precision; industry practice; stakeholders’ opinion; custom classification; regional relevance; and inclusion of jargon. It was noted that the relevance of these characteristics may vary form one region to the other as a result of technological, cultural and legal differences. However, the desired SMM characteristics were recommended as fundamental in developing an appropriate SMM for Ghana.

Ng, T, Palaneeswaran, E and Kumaraswamy, M (2008) Costs and benefits of ISO9000-based quality management systems to construction contractors. Construction Economics and Building, 8(02), 23-29.

Shakantu, W, Muya, M, Tookey, J and Bowen, P (2008) Evaluating truck empty running in construction: a case study from Cape Town, South Africa. Construction Economics and Building, 8(02), 41-49.

Sundqvist, J (2008) From focus on price to the pyramid of innovation, information, cooperation, value and trust: a success story of five Swedish building material manufacturers. Construction Economics and Building, 8(02), 11-2.

Wasif, I, Josephson, P-E and Styhre, A (2008) Individual learning in construction projects: professions and their approaches. Construction Economics and Building, 8(02), 50-60.