Hamzeh, F R; Faek, F and AlHussein, H (2019) Understanding improvisation in construction through antecedents, behaviours and consequences. Construction Management and Economics, 37(2), pp. 61-71. ISSN 01446193
Abstract
Improvisation is a deliberate, spontaneous and rational decision-making process that helps address emerging issues or unplanned work. Traditional management avoids relying on improvisation as it indicates deviation from the pre-planned procedures and standards. However, improvisational practices continue to exist within numerous uncertain environments such as construction where improvised actions emerge even though they are not encouraged. The purpose of this study is to develop a better understanding of the improvisational practices occurring in construction and recognize the factors contributing to successful improvisation. This study elucidates antecedents, behaviours and consequences of improvisation in various construction operations. Surveys were conducted among different construction professionals to understand improvisation on real-life construction projects. Statistical analyses show that personal experience and the type of organization a person works for have a significant effect on the outcomes of improvisation. In addition, results highlight the most frequent antecedents that trigger the need for improvisation to complete a certain task. The outcomes of this study can help managers and decision makers in the construction industry identify personal, organizational and other specific characteristics that may improve the practice of improvisation for complementing planning processes rather than undermining them.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | behaviour; construction planning; decision-making; improvisation; task execution |
| Index terms: | construction project, decision-making, manager, survey, construction professional, construction planning, construction industry, planning process, construction operation, statistical analysis, deviation, decision-making process |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, practitioner, construction operations, data science, construction planning, financial and cost management, production management, professional development, project controls, decision analysis, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Cost Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Information Management, Time Control, Site Management |
| 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