Simkoko, E E (1989) Analysis of factors impacting technology transfer in construction projects: Case studies from developing countries. TaknDr thesis, Kungliga Tekniska Hogskolan, Sweden.
Abstract
Construction firms in developing countries lack technological and managerial capabilities and capacities. One potential mechanism for the acquisition of these capabilities and capacities is through technology transfer programmes in international construction projects. The vertical and horizontal fragmentation of the construction industry greatly impairs effective acquisition of construction technologies and technology transfer is traditionally not undertaken by construction project management teams. This study analyses relationships between project delivery systems, project management teams, and technology transfer programmes, and examines the impact of these on project performance. A model based on a Systems Approach concept is presented. The model attempts to show qualitative and quantitative relationships between the variables. A case study approach is adopted. A detailed analysis of seven variables was performed on a sample of twelve international construction projects executed in the developing countries. Data and information obtained from the selected sample projects are used to examine the relationship between the variables. Nonparametric statistical techniques, contingency tables, chi-square test statistics, and rank correlation coefficients, are used to analyse the data matrix. Strong direct and positive relationships exist between project performance and integration of local personnel in the project team. The composition of the project management team was found to have the highest influence on the technology acquisition efforts. Local firms' participation and project funding were major factors impacting the form of project organization. Client involvement was found to be positively correlated with the technology acquisition variable. It is suggested that technology acquisition objectives should be clearly formulated, and mechanisms for effecting them created, monitored and controlled by the project management team. Client involvement, local firms participation and local employment should be emphasized more to achieve these objectives.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | case studies; case study; client; construction firms; contingency; developing countries; employment; fragmentation; funding; integration; international construction; participation; personnel; project delivery; project organization; project performance; project team; technology transfer |
| Index terms: | developing country, personnel, project management team, fragmentation, programme, project organization, construction firm, construction project, integration, client involvement, technology transfer, international construction project, case study, employment, acquisition, funding, construction project management, project performance, international construction, statistics, construction industry, project team, construction technology, project delivery |
| Subjects: | strategic management, digital engineering, organization, client relations, knowledge management, economic analysis, production management, organizational theory, development economics, data collection methods, profession, mathematical modelling, business, project delivery, project management theory and practice, management, industry analysis, organizational analysis, project controls |
| Topics: | Procurement, Project Management, Engineering Principles, Roles and Professions, Stakeholder Management, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Time Control, Digital Applications, Human Resources, International Construction |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here