This research describes an investigation into the information flows within the technical and commercial functions of house building organisations. It was initiated because of the evidence of poor data transfer and communications within the construction industry as identified by previous research. Little previous research had addressed the particular problems of the house building industry which accounts for up to a third of total new construction output in the UK. The organisational and information structures of six house building companies were examined and a typical organisational model developed. This model highlighted the importance of the technical and commercial functions of estimating, purchasing, valuations and cost monitoring/comparisons and the need for effective transfer of information between them. The information flows between these functions were studied and modelled using systems analysis techniques of data flow diagrams and entity-relationships models. The requirements for a computer-aided management system to improve and rationalise the information flows were identified and an integrated system, known as DEVELOP, was developed. The system was installed into a collaborating company and its advantages and disadvantages monitored over time. The main outcomes of the research are: (a) an organisational model for a typical house building organisation; (b) data flow and entity-relationship models for the functions of estimating, purchasing, valuations and cost monitoring/comparisons; and (c) an operational integrated management system for house builders that provides: (i) faster throughput of information (for example the time required to aggregated dwelling quantities for a typical development is reduced from three man days to one hour);(ii) greater consistency of information (by the provision of a company data library); and (iii) better communications between the functions (due to the integrated nature of the system and the adoption of a common coding system).

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The construction industry plays a key role in both the Australian and Chinese economies. Given this importance, the factors that contribute to effective construction project management are clearly valuable. As a project based industry, the construction industry needs more insights on the cultural issues at the project level. This study intended to answer the following questions: what is project culture? and How does project culture affect the performance of construction projects? / Thesis (PhDBuilding)--University of South Australia, 2008.

The Thai construction industry is comprised mainly of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with a registered capital of not more than 200 million baht and a workforce of up to 200 employees. For these SMEs, competition is intense. There is a high staff turnover, and additionally, it is costly to train new employees and to get them "up to speed" with the same level of ability as those who have resigned. In this context, this study seeks to examine the relationship between the current Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and the macro-environmental factors in this sector of the Thai construction business in order to assess their impact upon HRM outcomes. Four propositions are presented on the relationship between HRM practices, macro-environmental factors, and the HRM outcomes. This study comprised two major phases. Prior to conducting in-depth interviews with seventy two individuals from twenty four construction firms, five case studies were conducted involving interviews with five senior managers from five major construction businesses in Thailand to explore specific variables relative to HRM practices and HRM outcomes. A qualitative methodology was employed through semi-structured interviews questions. The seventy-two target respondents in the second phase of the research focused on managers and non-managers from fourteen small-sized and ten medium-sized enterprises. / The results of interviews show that rewards create the greatest job satisfaction for employees within SMEs while the organizational characteristics (internal factor) were ranked as secondary factors. The study showed that environmental factors (external factor) influenced managers of medium-sized enterprises because they were seen as beneficial to employees and promoted organizational growth while the non-managers of SMEs stated that these factors were less important and did not influence their decision to remain with a particular SME. This is because the non-managers of SMEs considered that organisational characteristics (internal factor) impacted on firm performance and competency to a greater degree than the environmental factors (external factor). In addition, new graduates entering the construction industry preferred medium-sized companies which were seen as efficient, rather than entering family-owned businesses. New graduates also sought to maximise salary and other allowances. Once graduates gained three or more years of working experience they often joined family owned businesses. A lack of awareness of these influential variables can lead to inefficient HRM practices and negative HRM outcomes in the management of SMEs within the Thai construction industry. / Thesis (DBA(DoctorateofBusinessAdministration))--University of South Australia, 2007.

Thesis (DBA(DoctorateofBusinessAdministration))--University of South Australia, 2004.

Thesis (MProjectManagement)--University of South Australia, 2003.

Project management has been formally introduced into Chinese construction industry for more than 10 years. It has been playing an essential role in various construction projects. While in the process of implementation of project management principles and techniques, some differences exist between Chinese approach in project management and maturely developed countries. / This research attempts to investigate the chrematistics of Chinese construction project management approach. Some management principles of the key project elements, including time, cost, quality and risk in general construction projects are firstly examined. Also, the specific management approaches in developed countries and China are highlighted and thoroughly compared. / Based on the findings from literature review, the practical management features of the key project elements and project management techniques applications in Chinese construction industry are further investigated through case studies and a questionnaire survey. / The findings of this research indicate that Chinese construction project management approach is still not mature enough and the shortcomings of current Chinese construction project management practices are included in this research. The recommendations for improvement are accordingly given. / Thesis (MProjectManagement)--University of South Australia, 2004.