Rapid development has brought about various innovations in the construction technology for modern residential areas. However, the development has resulted in the creation of an urban heat island that has led to discomfort in living conditions. Modern architecture has replaced the design principles of traditional Malay houses (TMH). Some studies have demonstrated that modern architecture designs often lack the passive thermal advantages inherent in traditional architecture. Accordingly, this study evaluated the design features that affected the interior thermal performance of Melaka TMH by quantifying the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and comparing it with the physical inventory data. Fieldwork was conducted in two stages: (1) pre-measurement (physical inventory) and (2) non-invasive measurement (thermal data). Findings revealed that rumah tengah (middle house) recorded the highest HTC value at 14,362,526.42 W, whereas anjung (porch) displayed the lowest HTC value at 600.08 W; both utilising zinc roofing with a U-value of 164,286 W/m²°C. Key determinants of HTC were identified as the material properties and surface area, while factors such as floor area and elevation from ground level had no significant impact on HTC or interior thermal conditions. Additionally, surface area and materials used in openings facilitated the inward and outward transfer of heat, with roof height affecting warm air circulation within a space. These findings can contribute to scientific discussions on sustainable design practices and technological applications in modern residential architecture.
To navigate the complexities and uncertainties of the construction industry effectively, small- and medium-sized construction companies (SMCCs) require a robust management approach rooted in their accumulated experiences. From the perspective of knowledge management (KM), this study examined how SMCCs implemented the knowledge management process (KMP) to enhance their performance in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market. It also explored the characteristics of SMCCs in terms of KMrelated practices, investment allocations and strategic plans for leveraging KMP to improve performance. This study collected responses from managers of SMCCs with more than 10 years of working experience in residential, commercial and industrial projects in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on how they drive their business in the Vietnamese construction industry using KMP factors. Employing the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach, the study ranked the activities of KMP, which encompasses five main criteria with 28 associated activities, from the perspective of SMCCs. The research findings indicated that KMP criteria, namely knowledge utilisation (KU), knowledge dissemination (KD), knowledge responsiveness (KR), knowledge storage (KS) and knowledge acquisition (KA), were prioritised in order of values of 45.6%, 25.1%, 13.9%, 7.9% and 7.5%, respectively. The findings suggest that SMCCs should focus on implementing KMP based on two crucial factors, which are KU and KD and adopt a peoplebased approach that emphasises tacit knowledge with technology support. Using empirical data, this study revealed how SMCC managers drive their business activities for SMCCs in the construction market segment. By integrating KMP into their existing construction activities, SMCCs can optimise their operating and management processes, ultimately enhancing their sustainable competitiveness in the market.
This study explored the current literature on the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) in facility management (FM), focusing on key technological, organisational and environmental factors based on the technological-organisational-environmental (TOE) framework. Effective implementation of IoT in FM enhances operational efficiency, costeffectiveness and sustainability by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and optimal resource utilisation. A systematic literature review (SLR) of 28 articles, published from 2014 to 2023, was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and thematic analysis was employed to provide a detailed overview of the state of IoT in the FM industry. Articles were identified and extracted from three academic databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, for comprehensive coverage of relevant fields. The selected articles met the inclusion criteria set for the research question: What are the factors influencing IoT implementation in FM? The analysis analysed using ATLAS.ti version 9 identified three main themes: technological, organisational and environmental factors influencing IoT implementation in FM. Key findings revealed technological factors such as integration challenges, standardisation issues and data security concerns. Organisational factors like resistance to change, leadership and stakeholder involvement and training needs, while environmental factors, including regulatory compliance, economic feasibility and sustainability considerations, played crucial roles in shaping IoT implementation in FM. These insights provide valuable guidance for researchers, practitioners, stakeholders and policymakers in understanding and addressing the multifaceted aspects of IoT implementation in FM, paving the way for future research and practice.
Property loss and operation downtime in a small event can be mitigated by necessitating early detection systems. These systems function as emergency responders, equipped with the capacity to notify of the current situation at the construction site. Therefore, this study analysed the key elements required to successfully adopt Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 technology in smart emergency detection for safety management. The analysis also established various smart emergency detection requirements for safety management based on IR 4.0 technology. A total of 215 G7 Malaysian contractors were initially sought as respondents for this study. The data was obtained using a survey method employing descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage and mean score). This process identified the ranking contribution of key elements and requirements for smart emergency detection in safety management, based on IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25. A total of 10 key elements were then ranked in this study: (1) components, (2) cost, (3) related work, (4) strength, (5) challenges, (6) data collection, (7) place, (8) equipment, (9) economy and (10) training. Six requirements were also ranked: (1) increased agility, (2) smart, self-monitoring and control, (3) better connectivity, (4) sustainability, (5) consistent self-registration and (6) ease of use. Consequently, a significant contribution was observed from the key elements and requirements involving the successful adoption of IR 4.0 technology in smart emergency detection for safety management. This outcome provided a holistic and integrated perspective, enhancing safety management performance and informing better decision-making choices for construction industry practitioners. Construction industry stakeholders could also present novel practices and policies for improved safety management performance, incorporating IR 4.0 technology, in developing countries, using these findings.
Work-life balance involves effectively managing professional and personal responsibilities to enhance overall well-being and avoid burnout. Employees in the construction industry face challenges like long hours, high workloads, inadequate organisational support and irregular work schedules. This research focused on a megaproject in Malaysia, namely the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL). It is in line with the aspirations of the strategic blueprint introduced by the government of Malaysia, the Construction Industry Transformation Plan (CITP) 2021–2025, aimed at enhancing productivity in the construction sector and promoting work-life balance initiatives in Malaysia. Three objectives were set for this research work: (1) to investigate the existing work-life culture in the ECRL project, (2) to determine the current constraints faced in the ECRL Project in implementing the worklife balance and (3) to recommend the preferred work-life balance initiatives that can be implemented in the construction industry. A quantitative survey was conducted for data collection. The questionnaire survey was distributed via the WhatsApp application to 300 heads of departments. The research findings revealed four themes on the current constraints of work-life balance faced by employees in the ECRL project. They were: (1) new technology, (2) long commute time, (3) ad-hoc tasks and (4) organisation policies. This research also found four preferred work-life balance initiatives that can be implemented: (1) reward system, (2) flexible working arrangements and (3) organisation support. The findings can shed light on ways of identifying, assessing and mitigating the work-life balance issue, especially since the lack of work-life balance is a problem in Malaysia’s megaproject construction industry.
The agriculture sector in Malaysia faces structural challenges that contribute to food insecurity due to uncertainties in farm ownership, labour shortages, low productivity, limited automation and heavy reliance on foreign labour. To address these issues, the Malaysian government promotes smart urban farming (SUF) techniques. However, the technique requires higher initial costs due to its advanced technology. Evaluating these technologies through life cycle cost (LCC) assessment is crucial for informed decision-making. However, the accuracy of LCC data remains a challenge, necessitating in-depth research to identify relevant cost components. This study emphasised the use of a triangulation method, namely a Delphi survey and a case study, to identify SUF practices concerning LCC phases. This approach is effective in achieving expert consensus in areas with limited studies. The process included multiple rounds of semi-structured interviews, starting with problem area identification and panel member selection, followed by iterative Delphi rounds to reach a consensus on SUF practices to identify LCC components and phases. Each round refined the questions based on expert feedback to reach a final consensus on critical components and practices. The case study method provided practical insights and real-world validation, enhancing the robustness of the findings. The methodology ensured a comprehensive, unbiased and expertdriven identification of LCC components, offering a robust framework for enhancing the effectiveness of SUF practices. The findings highlight the structured process involved in each method used, emphasising the importance of comprehensive and expert-driven approaches in developing sustainable and economically viable urban farming systems.
In the current critical economy, demands have exceeded the mere creation and construction of green buildings. The primary obstacle to expansion in the green building business is the impression of elevated costs linked to these structures. It has been commonly recognised that evaluating project costs based on initial expenditures is inadequate. Consequently, life cycle costs (LCC) aids owners and clients in making informed decisions on building materials during the project’s design phase. The criteria or components of LCC should ideally be established before the decision to advance with the project. Nevertheless, LCC components for sustainable projects are disjointed and the pieces are not organised into an appropriate system. This scenario, exacerbated by the lack of adequate information on LCC components for sustainable projects, poses difficulties for project stakeholders in implementing LCC. Hence, the purpose of this study was to ascertain LCC components and their respective significance in the context of a green building project, in order to inform planning decisions. The primary tool for data collection was a questionnaire survey. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to disseminate the questionnaire to 84 stakeholders engaged in Green Building Index (GBI)-rated office projects in Kuala Lumpur. The survey indicated that the respondents concurred with the 23 elements of LCC as guiding planning criteria for green construction initiatives. The analysis using the relative importance index revealed that, out of the total 23 components, the 10 most important LCC components were materials costs, initial costs, management costs, installation costs, labour costs, green building certification costs, insurance, safety management costs, design and professional costs and equipment costs. The findings are useful in helping green project stakeholders make planning decisions before moving forward with the development of green projects.
Reading spaces in the library require proper lighting for the comfort of the users. Good daylight conditions in the library help to improve mood, morale and learning while reducing eyestrain and saving energy. The current study investigated the daylight condition of 12 reading spaces to determine the influence of architectural daylight parameters on the daylight condition. The climate-based daylight modelling (CBDM) approach was used to determine useful daylight illuminance (UDI), daylight autonomy (DA) and total annual illumination (TAI). The study employed the VELUX Daylight Visualiser (VDV) simulation software. The results showed that the mean UDI 300 DA to 500 DA for Hall H was 84% and 69% (pass), TAI was 4,314 kWh and the luminance mean value was 255 cd/m2 (moderate). The daylight parameters collectively influenced this result. However, the ones that influenced the result more were window-floor ratio (WFR), glazing/shading/source of obstruction and wall finish/colour/ceiling finish. Since the daylight conditions of these halls studied met the design threshold, it showed that these design parameter strategies should be adopted when considering a new design of reading spaces in tropical regions.
Off-site construction (OSC) offers significant potential to improve efficiency and quality in the construction industry. However, its adoption remains limited in developing countries like Bangladesh. This study aimed to identify key barriers to OSC implementation in Bangladesh and propose strategies to overcome these obstacles. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 construction professionals, including contractors, consultants and government officials. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results indicated that the main barriers included a lack of awareness and understanding among stakeholders, insufficient government support, inadequate skills and training, limited transportation infrastructure, high initial costs, resistance to change, a lack of local manufacturing capacity and insufficient collaboration between industry, government and educational institutions. Key strategies for improvement included comprehensive education and training programmes, supportive government policies and incentives, investment in transportation infrastructure, development of local manufacturing capabilities, promotion of research and innovation, implementation of risk management strategies and streamlining of environmental clearance processes. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and industry leaders to facilitate the adoption of OSC in Bangladesh’s construction sector.
The construction industry generates a substantial amount of waste. In Bangladesh, waste generation is projected to reach 47,000 tonnes daily by 2025. Inappropriate waste management can disrupt the natural resources in Bangladesh. The implementation of the circular economy (CE) concept could provide a viable solution to this issue. CE emphasises the efficient use of resources and waste minimisation. This study aimed to determine the significant obstacles to CE implementation in improving construction and demolition waste management in Bangladesh via a structured interview conducted with nine respondents from various backgrounds. The results revealed that the main obstacles to implementing CE were the lack of knowledge and awareness among construction practitioners, as a result of inadequate training and education programmes and imprecise existing regulations and policies. Accordingly, enforcement should be tightened to encourage more sustainable practices. The findings of this study lay a platform for construction practitioners in Bangladesh to prioritise integrating CE as an approach for construction and demolition (C&D) waste minimisation.
The electronic tendering system (e-tendering) has replaced the traditional processes in carrying out the tendering process in Malaysia’s construction procurement. However, issues, such as a lack of system capability and insufficient important features in the system, have arisen in the adoption of the e-tendering system, which causes users’ dissatisfaction with the system’s capabilities and performance. Thus, the objectives of the research were to identify the current issues and challenges in implementing the e-tendering system in Malaysian public construction procurement. The research objectives were attained by applying a qualitative approach via semi-structured interviews. A total of 11 participants representing contractors and public authorities, including the Public Works Department (PWD) with experience in using e-tendering systems, were involved. The data collected was transcribed and analysed using ATLAS.ti qualitative software. The research findings indicated that users encountered issues such as poor performance of the system, frequent website crashes, difficulties utilising Microsoft Excel as tender documents and issues getting notifications regarding addenda. These issues made the system difficult to operate and disrupted the tendering process. The findings of this research can provide a foundation for the establishment of a good and efficient e-tendering system to enhance user satisfaction in Malaysia’s construction procurement.
The construction industry in Malaysia has been facing challenges with disputes in the final account closing in construction projects, which has become a significant concern for industry stakeholders. These disputes often arise due to various factors, making resolving them essential, especially since they can adversely affect construction projects’ cash flow, productivity and reputation. This study aimed to examine the key factors that influence the occurrence of disputes in the final account closing stage of construction projects in Malaysia. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect quantitative data from construction industry professionals to elicit their agreement on the various contributing factors to final account closing disputes. The data collection included G7 contractors, private clients and quantity surveying (QS) consultants in order, which were identified through a comprehensive literature review. In total, a number of 257 complete responses were gathered. This study found eight key factors that significantly contributed to disputes that hindered the prompt settlement of final accounts in construction projects. The factors were (1) delay in the evaluation and preparation of final accounts, (2) the complexity of variation claims, (3) approval issues related to variation work, (4) disagreements on the valuation of variation works, (5) poor record keeping, (6) late submissions of final claims, (7) disagreements on the valuation of final accounts and (8) cost overruns. Considering that the identification of these key factors is crucial to formulating appropriate strategies to minimise or resolve disputes in the final account closing process, this study is expected to provide information and assist construction stakeholders in adopting effective project management practices throughout the construction process. Accordingly, this reduces the likelihood of disputes and ensures the successful closing of the final account in construction projects.
Rural residential buildings often consume high energy due to inefficient designs that increase heating and cooling demands. This study employed an orthogonal test design method to assess the impact of structural modifications on energy efficiency improvement in rural residences. Key factors tested include wall and roof insulation thickness, heat transfer coefficients of exterior windows, south and north window-to-wall ratios and building shading. The optimal configuration identified involves 120 mm of external wall XPS insulation, a roof heat transfer coefficient of 0.27 (equivalent to 120 mm insulation), a triple-layer insulating glass window with a heat transfer coefficient of 1.20, a south window-wall ratio of 0.3, a north window-wall ratio of 0.1 and a horizontal sunshade length of 0.5 m. This combination resulted in an annual energy consumption of 6,579.72 kWh, compared to 13,036 kWh for the benchmark model. The optimal design achieved a 49.52% energy savings rate, excluding renewable energy and active energy-saving measures. The study concluded that the proposed strategic enhancements to the building envelope, particularly through the use of external wall insulation, can reduce energy consumption in rural residential buildings in Huai’an. The orthogonal design method streamlined the analysis, reducing the number of experimental trials while providing valuable insights into the relative influence of each factor
The construction sectors in numerous regions and countries heavily rely on foreign labour. The employment of illegal foreign labour within the construction industry, often encompassing individuals with illegal or undocumented immigration status, has garnered attention due to its implications for labour markets, economic dynamics and regulatory frameworks. This research aimed to comprehensively review the factors of illegal foreign labour employment by contractors within the construction industry. To uncover the core factors that influenced the employment of illegal foreign labour within the construction sector, the methodology involved an in-depth analysis of existing literature. The in-depth analysis encompassed the identification and extraction of factors and corresponding subfactors from diverse research sources. Then, the identified factors were grouped into five clusters, namely: (1) monetary and economic perspectives, (2) project and industrial characteristics, (3) social and cultural perspectives, (4) vulnerability and exploitation and (5) regulatory and enforcement. This research unveiled a significant gap in comprehensive investigations pertaining to the actual prevalence of employment involving illegal foreign labour, highlighting the need for further insightful exploration in this domain. By delving into these influential factors, this study not only enhances the understanding of the employment of illegal foreign labour in the construction industry but also provides a foundation for potential policy change and industry practices aimed at addressing this intricate issue.
The United Nations has included the importance of gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal No. 5. Malaysia and other developing countries have long taken steps to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Nevertheless, gender discrimination and gender inequality persist, especially in the construction industry. The lack of representation of women in the construction industry of developing countries appears to be a major challenge hindering the industry’s progress towards achieving gender equality. The objectives of this research were to (1) identify the factors that perpetuate gender inequality in the Malaysian construction industry and (2) recommend strategies that can be adopted to improve work policies in Malaysia’s construction industry to promote gender equality. Data were collected from companies registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) holding G7 status in Kuala Lumpur. Cluster sampling technique and a quantitative method were used in this research. All the data collected were analysed using descriptive analysis with the assistance of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The research findings revealed that the main factors that perpetuate gender inequality in the Malaysian construction industry are gender stereotypes and perceptions. This research recommends improving work-life balance and implementing supportive policies as the main strategies to promote gender equality and improve work policies in Malaysia’s construction industry. This research has brought a new dimension to the field of gender equality by identifying practical strategies that can be practised by stakeholders of the construction industry in Malaysia and other developing countries.
The construction industry has longstanding issues with infectious disease prevalence among on-site workers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, academic literature lacks sufficient empirical evidence about the prevalence and impact of infectious diseases in the setting of construction sites. This study intended to identify the prevalence of infectious diseases at construction sites by formulating systematic data on the study of infectious diseases in this context. In this study, data on prevalent infectious diseases on construction sites were obtained from a secondary source based on a systematic literature review (SLR) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) standards and by utilising thematic analysis. The related studies for each selected infectious disease were identified through this process. The findings, based on academic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Emerald Insight, revealed eight prevalent infectious diseases on construction sites: dengue, tuberculosis (TB), leptospirosis, Hepatitis B, HIV, Hepatitis C, malaria and syphilis. This study contributes to theoretical understanding and practical insights into this crucial area, addressing methodological constraints and suggesting future research and initiatives. At the same time, this study is applicable to encourage further empirical research and the development of preventive and treatment strategies for prevalent diseases in construction settings.
The current overhang problem in residential properties and serviced apartments originates from their excessive supply in 2016. There are many factors that contribute to property overhang. One of the factors is property stigma. Property stigma is a negative element that influences homebuyers’ decisions. This study explored the perspectives of real estate players towards property stigma in the residential overhang. A qualitative method was used on seven participants participating in this study, including registered valuers, probationary valuers and probationary estate agents with more than seven years of experience in the property industry. Interviews were conducted and digitally audio recorded. The data was analysed using a six-step thematic analysis. A total of three main themes emerged from the data, which were (1) physical stigma: former land use, building or natural disaster area, (2) non-physical stigma: neighbourhood, environmental pollution and distance and (3) psychological stigma: supernatural or paranormal and ethnic belief. This study emphasises the existence of property stigma in residential overhang. This is a crucial subject matter for policymakers and property professionals, as improving property market transactions in Malaysia is critical to eliminating residential overhang.
Flash floods are a significant and recurring issue in Malaysia, particularly during monsoon seasons. Rapid-onset floods, in particular, can cause substantial damage to infrastructure and property while posing risks to human safety. Understanding the causes, impacts and strategies to mitigate flash floods is crucial to developing effective responses and enhancing resilience. For example, proactive measures and comprehensive strategies such as the “sponge city” concept can mitigate the impacts of floods. This study aimed to assess the practice of the sponge city concept in Malaysia based on global best practices and its implementation. To understand the effectiveness and applicability of the sponge city strategy, a comparative study of various international case studies was conducted. This study delved into the strategies and unique approaches implemented in China, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. It is believed that significant progress can be achieved by learning from the experiences of other countries, specifically in addressing these challenges. This helps develop policy frameworks, secure adequate funding, foster public and private sector collaboration, build technical capacity and engage communities. By learning from the experiences of the case studies, Malaysia can enhance its sponge city initiatives to effectively manage stormwater, reduce flooding and improve urban resilience. Moreover, the implementation of a combination of green infrastructure, smart water management technologies, community engagement and supportive policies is the key to the successful transformation of Malaysian cities into resilient and sustainable sponge cities.
Property stigma is a significant factor in the overhang of residential units in Malaysia. It refers to some characteristics, features, social values or an event relating to land and buildings that can create a negative perception of a building, land, project or neighbourhood. The current study aimed to assess the relationship of the property stigma dimension in measuring the contribution to property overhang. The study data was collected from 69 participants from the real estate industry in Selangor, Malaysia. The data was then computed on partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the seven dimensions of property stigma. The study identified dominant physical, non-physical and psychological factors that shaped property stigma. The findings of this study revealed that only non-physical stigma and psychological stigma were significant in the occurrence of property overhang. The results of this research could guide relevant government agencies and future studies to understand property stigma models for application by property developers. This will enable developers to be more informed and proficient in managing proposed development projects, thereby contributing to the industry’s growth and stability and a more balanced property market in Selangor, Malaysia.
The robust growth of the construction industry in Malaysia has increased the amount of construction waste significantly, causing environmental degradation and resource depletion. Integrating the economic, social and governance (ESG) principles with advanced technologies from Construction 4.0 can revamp the inefficient management of construction waste. This study aimed to identify the potential barriers to the implementation of a comprehensive construction waste management framework. A framework was developed based on the circular economy concept. The Delphi method was then utilised to gather expert consensus. Expert opinions of contractors, consultants, developers and government agencies were compiled to derive the framework. The study results revealed that the developed framework can succeed if the identified barriers are overcome. This comprehensive framework will lay a platform for better construction waste management.
