Oluwatayo, A and Amole, D (2012) Characteristics of global architectural firms. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 19(4), pp. 393-405. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose -The aim of this paper is to investigate the factors which discriminate between local and global architectural firms in Nigeria. The rationale was to examine how the globalization process differs in Nigeria and contribute to the discourse on globalization. Design/methodology/approach -The research is quantitative, using discriminant analysis to differentiate the global architectural firms from the local ones. The study used a random sample of 92 architectural firms in Nigeria, examining various characteristics of the firms through a questionnaire. Findings -There was a strong distinction between global and local firms. Compared to the local architectural firms, the global firms were larger, and mostly run by sole principals who were more experienced. The internet was used more to communicate with other professionals, but less to communicate with clients and in designing and drafting. The global firms also placed higher value on developing expertise in specific building types. Research limitations/implications -Data are obtained from architectural firms in Nigeria only. The results suggest that global architectural firms are peculiar and exhibit certain characteristics which further differentiate them from local ones. Practical implications -The implications for architectural firms seeking to operate globally include building size advantage, building expertise in specific specializations, having principals with high level experience and employing alliances with other professionals in operating internationally. Originality/value -This paper adds to the body of knowledge on architectural firms which are under-researched. The importance of this paper lies in its empirical nature in investigating the characteristics of global architectural firms using a sample of architectural firms in Nigeria.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | architectural firms; characteristics; global firms; globalization; Nigeria; professional services |
| Index terms: | body of knowledge, methodology, professional service, questionnaire, globalization, specialization, internet, drafting, Nigeria, discriminant analysis, architectural firm |
| Subjects: | computing systems, organization, business, data collection methods, knowledge management, technical documentation, Geography, research methods, statistical analysis, economic factors |
| Topics: | Information Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Business Strategy, International Construction, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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