Abstracts – Browse Results
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Abedmousa, M (2023) Reframing construction labour productivity in a colonisation context: the West Bank as an example, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Westminster.
Basha, M (2021) Intra-sector firm performance and its determinants in the UK construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Westminster.
- Type: Thesis
- Keywords: inventory; business model; civil engineering; leadership; policy; civil engineer; UK
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: https://doi.org/10.34737/vx4zz
- Abstract:
This thesis is a detailed quantitative investigation of intra-sector firm performance in the UK construction industry. Using the value-based model and creating a conceptual tool of assessment from it comprising nine determinants, the research applies this tool to the industry. Over two decades of firm performance data in the key sectors are analysed to answer the firm’s performance question. By doing so, the thesis for the first time combines the disciplines of strategy, economics and finance to analyse the intra-sector firm performance question in UK construction. A panel-based ordinary least squares (OLS) regression is the main approach. However, corrections and adjustments are made for a range of likely econometric issues including heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, multicollinearity and cointegration. A suite of five different advanced regressions including GLS random effects and maximum likelihood estimations are implemented to validate and corroborate the OLS results. In addition, three different regressions are performed in the sample simultaneously namely in the overall industry, the three key sectors in it and in a time-based pre- and post-credit crisis splicing. Robust evidence is found for each of the nine determinants and their varied influences on profits in the UK construction industry. Among the important findings here are: evidence for a liquidity-orientated business model in large tracts of the industry; a negative leverage impact on profits only among building sector firms; and a purely positive profits function among civil engineering firms. Based on these findings, firm managers in each sector of the industry are given specific recommendations including: to avoid debt in the buildings sector; to invest systematically in technology and capital assets in the civil engineering sector; and to focus on cost leadership in the specialist trades sector. The analysis also yields important policy insights for regulators and policy think tanks. Noteworthy here are tax-based incentives for inventory management in all sectors of the industry, a technology development institute for the firms in the industry and sector-specific regulatory guidelines for the firms in the buildings sector. The thesis expands the repertoire of creative solutions for the difficult intra-sector firm performance questions of this industry.
Bowes, D C (2020) An aspirations-led capabilities approach to women's career pathways in quantity surveying, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Organisations, Economy and Society, University of Westminster.
Haddadin, K H (2003) Cultural and institutional barriers to the take-up of construction management in Jordan, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Westminster.
Holborough, A M (2015) Ethnicity, education and the transition to the construction labour market: developing an equality framework using a capability approach, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Business School, University of Westminster.
K'Akumu, O A (2010) The enabling environment for artisanal dimension stone in Nairobi, Kenya, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Westminster Business School, University of Westminster.
McLean, W (2018) Technological innovation in architecture: the role of the aberrant practitioner, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Architecture and Cities, University of Westminster.
Michielsens, E (2016) Contextualising diversity management: challenging the effectiveness of the business case, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Westminster Business School, University of Westminster.
Ogunkah, I (2015) Rethinking low-cost green building material selection process in the design of low-impact green housing developments, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, University of Westminster.
Sinclair, S (2016) Designing + (dis)assembling disputes: an ethnography of disputes and lawyers in the construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Law School, University of Westminster.