11:00
General Paper Session W65 & W112 - Socio technical systems/Innovation in construction
Chair: Chris Harty
11:00
15 mins
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PASSIVE HOUSE NETWORKS: A SOCIAL INNOVATION TARGETING INNOVATION IN SME’S IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
Erwin Mlecnik
Abstract: This study examines opportunities for the emergence of SME networks regarding highly energy-efficient housing, as well as the barriers they face.
A theoretical innovation diffusion model is developed from the point-of-view of social and environmental entrepreneurship and sustainable consumption.
The qualitative analysis reflects key elements from the theoretical model and is based on a representative case study of a successful passive house network located in the Belgian Flemish Region. Data were gathered during the emergence of the network, by means of participant observation and action-based (thematic innovation) research. Interviews provided further supplementary information.
The study concludes that the successful emergence of an SME network regarding highly energy-efficient housing requires a holistic approach, in which both enterprises and clients are guided in each step of the innovation-decision process. In their role as intermediaries between clients and firms, change agents should be supported by policy that facilitates networks for innovation diffusion.
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11:15
15 mins
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SYSTEM INNOVATION FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENTS: THE CASE OF LIGHT EMITTING DIODES
Shuling Lu
Abstract: The United Kingdom (UK) government policy is increasingly directed at transforming the built environment to an environmentally sustainable one. The government, for example, has set a target for a reduction in carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. A large number of new policies and regulations are being introduced to minimise the impact of the built environment and the construction industry on the environment. These pressures are inducing a large amount of product and process innovation across distributed networks: manufacturers, suppliers, installers, clients, users, and so on. To address this challenge, this research suggests that the explicit adoption of a multi-level perspective of sustainable transition management as a way forward. The key point of the multi-level perspective is that transitions or long-term changes come about through interplay between processes at different levels in different phases. This model consists of three levels: socio-technical landscape, regime, and technical niches. This paper reports on an ongoing research project which is tracking, real time, the start-up and growth of a company which is developing and introducing a range of leading edge light emitting diode (LED) technologies. Interim results will be presented with the focus being on the distributed interaction between the principal actors: a LED module manufacture, a luminaire (light fitting) manufacture and a range of end users.
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11:30
15 mins
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DIVERSITY INTERVENTIONS FOR A SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Florence Phua, Martin Loosemore, Melissa Teo, Kevin Dunn
Abstract: Major construction sites in Australia have an above average presence of ethnic minorities. These groups and the interfaces between them require effective management in order to meet the social imperatives of sustainable design and construction. A survey of 1155 workers and 204 managers on Sydney construction sites respectively, found a significant level of normalisation of negative forms of cross cultural interaction. Yet it was also found that anti-racism programs are not currently a management priority and that they generally lack sophisticated community relations aspects. This paper presents the results of a desk-top study of leading global companies within and outside the construction sector which have won international awards and recognition for their cultural diversity strategies. A key insight is that the companies profiled see diversity as a key resource and as an opportunity rather than a risk which is best harnessed through long-term and on-going commitment of senior management. These leading companies also recognise that cultural diversity strategies operate at three levels - in terms of its relationship with its own workforce; its relationship with its clients and; its relationships with the communities in which it operates - and if properly managed it can be a source of competitive advantage.
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11:45
15 mins
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INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC ALLIANCES IN CONSTRUCTION: PERFORMANCES OF TURKISH CONTRACTING FIRMS
Ilknur Akiner, Ibrahim Yitmen
Abstract: Firms need various resources and capabilities in order to compete with each other effectively. These resources and capabilities can be acquired, developed internally, or obtained via an ongoing cooperative relationship with another firm through the use of a strategic alliance. The use of strategic alliances in construction industry has increased sharply over the last decade and they are particularly effective in helping a firm maintain a superior competitive position in dynamic environments. Alliances reportedly improve the competitiveness of the construction firms by providing access to external resources, by providing synergies and by fostering rapid learning and change. The purpose of this research is to identify the success factors and key components of the development process of strategic alliances, and propose a process model of strategic alliances performances based on alliance conditions in international construction industry. The research involves a questionnaire survey conducted to the Turkish contracting firms operating internationally. Different types of projects constructed by Turkish contractors in Commonwealth of Independent States, Middle East Countries, African Countries, and other regions of the world between 2002 and 2009, were analyzed and used in the developments made in this study. The results indicate that shared risk, trust between parties, and equity are found to be the most important determinants of strategic alliance success. The research findings support the contracting firms enhancing their productive capacities and acquiring competitive advantages that enable them to increase alliance performances. The study also commences on how the identified factors enhance the effectiveness of the participating firms’ competitive strategies by providing for mutual resource exchanges (technologies, skills, or products).
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12:00
15 mins
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SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION: CONDITION FOR SUCCESS
Anne Lorene Vernay, Sofie Pandis Iverot, Tadeo Baldiri Salcedo Rahola, Karel Mulder, Nils Brandt
Abstract: Today, many new urban areas, such as cities, towns, villages, or districts, are being built worldwide and their completion requires the development of a number of infrastructures. Among others there is a need for energy and drinking water provision, waste management and wastewater treatment, transport facilities and so on. Each of these societal functions can be conceptualized as part of separate socio-technical systems. Traditionally urban planners consider each of these socio-technical systems independently from each other.
In the last decades, increased environmental consciousness has been pushing cities and municipalities to minimize the environmental footprint of, among others, newly developed urban areas. One of the possible strategies to do so is to make a transition towards a circular urban metabolism, as supported by Herbert Girardet. This means that the material and energy cycle should be closed. In other words, the aforementioned socio-technical systems have to be locally integrated to each other (e.g. domestic waste can be used for energy provision or sewage as a source for generating transport fuel, etc.).
This process, here referred to as ‘systems integration’, requires the collaboration of a number of actors whose interest, expectations and working culture may greatly differ from each other. These differences may lead to tensions that need to be resolved before the integrated systems can be realized. Moreover, there is not one single way through which systems integration can be achieved. Outcomes highly depend on who takes responsibility for the realization of the system, which stakeholders are involved in the design process, to which degree and how. Finally, already existing technological landscape may also strongly influence, or even limit the path that systems integration may take. For instance, actors may push for solutions that build upon rather than compromise the technological solutions they already invested in.
In this paper, we try to understand the tensions that emerge when integrated systems are developed. By analyzing the processes behind urban developments where various socio-technical systems have been (tentatively) integrated, we aim to identify the necessary conditions for systems integration at the urban level. Our empirical material draws upon two case studies: Hammarby Sjöstad in Stockholm, Sweden, and EVA-Lanxmeer in Culemborg, the Netherlands. Moreover, our analysis will be based on insights from both socio-technical system theory and actor-network theory. Hammarby Sjöstad was planned and initiated from the top down by the City of Stockholm, as an integrated system. In collaboration with the infrastructure companies of the city, the Hammarby Model was created in an attempt to close the material and energy flows of the district as much as possible. EVA-Lanxmeer however, was initiated from the bottom up, by individuals and experts interested in sustainable living. It is only later on that the municipality of Culemborg became involved in designing and constructing the district. Integrated solutions were considered throughout the process, however only some of them could be realized.
Our cases show that when realizing integrated systems, it is crucial that all actors are in place. If for one reason or another, a certain actors refuses to participate strategies (or a consensus) must be found to convince and/or force him (her) to participate or the system has to be changed to function without the actor. Otherwise, the integrated system cannot be realized. Moreover our analysis also shows the need for a concept keeper that should consistently guard and push forward the integrated vision for the district.
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12:15
15 mins
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THE POTENTIAL IMPACT ON PROPERTY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESULTING FROM ROAD TRANSPORT CORRIDORS IN AFRICA: A CASE STUDY
Dries Hauptfleisch, Hendrik Marx
Abstract: Prof Dries (AC) Hauptfleisch and Dr Hendrik Marx
University of the Free State, South Africa
ABSTRACT
Keywords: Cost of corridors, development corridor, nodal points, property development, socio-economic development, spatial development initiatives.
The development of road corridors are important, having extensive impacts, substantially wider than the cost of the actual road construction. The resultant property and broader socio-economic development is visible over a wide spectrum, but problematic to measure.
In order to evaluate these impacts it is necessary to analyse the theoretical basis of corridor development and to measure and evaluate the outcomes. This was undertaken by tracking the possible development of corridors in Africa as a whole, and by specifically evaluating the outcomes of the Maputo Development Corridor (MDC) that stretches over 590km form the economic heartland in South Africa, to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.
An extensive literature review was undertaken, covering the period from inception in 1996, to the present. Quantified field studies were done and qualitative observations made.
The outcome of the study indicates general consensus that many development objectives have been satisfied, whilst problems are encountered to establish extensive quantative data. It is relatively easy to determine impacts on traffic patterns, tourism, etc. However, it is very difficult to substantiate comprehensive socio-economic impacts, wealth creation and property development resulting directly from a corridor development. The so called “trickle down” effect is very evident, falling in the domain of “visual evidence and opinion” rather than hard quantative data. Whilst the cost to establish a corridor is determinable, the resultant financial rewards in a wider context is difficult to adjudicate.
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12:30
15 mins
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LEADERSHIP IN CONSTRUCTION ORGANIZATIONS AND THE PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Alex Opoku, Chris Fortune
Abstract: The construction industry is a very important sector in achieving society’s sustainable development goals; however the change towards sustainability is a process that presents a leadership challenge. Construction organizations need leadership that provide the collective vision, strategy and direction towards the common goal of a sustainable future. The aim of this paper is to critically examine the role, drivers and factors affecting leadership in the effective implementation of sustainable practices in construction organizations. A review of relevant literature and preliminary qualitative results from an in-depth interview with eight (8) leaders in United Kingdom construction consultant organizations, including sustainability directors, managers and consultants is presented. The analysis of the collected qualitative data revealed that, the leadership role in promoting sustainability in construction organizations include the development of strategies and the formulation of policies. A major driver for construction organizations to pursue sustainability is to win more business, while increased capital cost for sustainability is still a major challenge to many organizations. This study establishes the basis for further investigation in an on-going doctorial level research on the role of leadership in promoting sustainable construction practices.
Keywords: Construction organization, leadership, leadership style, sustainable practice
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