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Hardie, M (2011) Technical innovation delivery in small and medium construction enterprises, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Western Sydney (Australia).
- Type: Thesis
- Keywords: market; innovation; client; case study
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: https://www.proquest.com/docview/1945939042
- Abstract:
This study investigates occurrences of technical innovation successfully delivered by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry in the Greater Sydney area. A literature search identified five factors that potentially affect the delivery of technical innovation. These can be summarised under the headings: Company resources; Client and end-user influences; Project-based conditions; Industry networks; The regulatory climate. Under each factor, several related sub-factors were also identified. Mixed method research: Because the management of innovation essentially involves a human element, it was decided that a mixed methods approach would be taken. Any convergences that emerge in the results from the different research strategies can be seen as equating to robustness in the conclusions that may be drawn. Purposive sampling was used to identify potential respondents to a quantitative survey. The main eligibility criterion was a proven track record in delivering a significant technical innovation in the construction market. As the surveys were carried out face-to-face, respondents were restricted to locations in the greater Sydney region and the western hinterland as far as Bathurst in regional NSW. The information contained in the surveys was de-identified for ethical reasons and only aggregate data is presented in this thesis. Seven illustrative case studies which represent the storylines of successful innovation delivery are presented in this thesis. All the technical innovations studied involve significant measurable improvements which may be measured in economic, environmental or social terms and some represent improvements in multiple fields. The case studies were chosen because they represent unique examples of a relatively rare phenomenon; that is, the successful delivery of a high-level technical innovation by a SME construction company. Information on the seven case studies was gathered from multiple sources including trade literature, industry-focused magazines, company websites and personal observation. The case studies were classified by descriptive innovation categories depending on whether the innovation was considered to be proactive or reactive, bounded or unbounded, and intuitive or analytical.
Le, T T X (2013) Managers' perceptions of corporate social responsibility : The construction industry in Vietnam, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Western Sydney (Australia).
Saha, S K (2002) Predicting realistic performance rate and optimum inspection rate in construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Western Sydney (Australia).