Architecture, Building and Planning - Research Publications
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ItemThe Evaluation of the Victorian Women in Construction Strategy Program(Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, The University of Melbourne, 2021)This research led report evaluated the Victorian Government Women in Construction Strategy. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches were deemed appropriate; however, the evaluation adopted a primarily qualitative approach due to the context and timing. Data collection used specific protocols and included key informant interviews, participant interviews, observations, surveys and focus groups, with interviews and focus groups transcribed verbatim. Participants included female school students, careers teachers, female trainees, and industry representatives. Data analysis was conducted at both the individual and cohort level, with qualitative and quantitative data analysed separately and, where appropriate, brought together to produce themes. The evaluation found that "The Women in Construction" Strategy achieved its goals. While the original scope of work was affected by the COVID‐19 situation, modifications were made, and the intended parties received the various pilot programs well. The programs enacted as a part of this strategy have been beneficial in increasing the knowledge of young women looking to enter careers in the construction industry, supporting those in the industry or encouraging cultural change in the workplaces women inhabit. Therefore, their continuation is supported so that longer‐term effects can transpire.
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ItemCritical Appraisal of Building Information Modelling Research in Australia: A Bibliometric Analysis(Deakin University, 2021)Interest in advanced digital technology such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) has grown remarkably in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry over the past decade, and BIM research has proliferated globally. In Australia, alongside the increasing rate of implementing BIM within the AECO industry, academic research has also risen on the topic; however, to the best of authors’ knowledge, a systematic review of the extant literature on BIM in Australia is missing. This study addresses this lack by offering a Scientometric analysis to explore the state of BIM literature in Australia. To this end, a quantitative approach using the ‘science mapping’ technique is employed to examine 473 articles in the field and to highlight their academic discourses that have occurred and emerged over time. Findings revealed primary topic areas in BIM research and their connections as well as research institutions active in BIM research, key authors and their collaboration networks, influential countries, and research outlets. The findings are instructive in identifying the gaps in current research. Research in the area of 3D modelling, visualisation, and technical aspects of BIM has dominated BIM research in Australia. There has been less emphasis on the managerial aspect of BIM, education and training, as well as the emerging and interrelated areas such as the Internet of Things, Blockchain, and Digital Twin. Analysis of the collaboration network of the Australian institutions active in BIM research shows that institutions mainly work in isolation with little or no in-country collaboration. From an international perspective, findings demonstrate an increased collaboration with China rather than those identified as leading countries in BIM research such as the U.K. and the U.S. By providing a view from a meta-perspective, the present study contributes to the body of knowledge of BIM in Australia by informing the researchers, the institutions, and the industry of the need for the future research direction and deeper exchange of knowledge.
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ItemAugmented Reality adoption in the Australian construction industry: A qualitative framework(Deakin University, 2021)The adoption of innovative technologies in the construction industry has provided significant benefits to the industry. In Australia, the use of innovative construction technologies has grown increasingly over the past decade and received a significant increase in the level of adoption in construction site activities due to the recent pandemic. One technology that is receiving additional attention to be beneficial to the industry is Augmented Reality (AR). However, its current level of adoption is still very limited due to several reasons the theoretically advantages are not yet well received by the practitioners. To address this gap, this study aimed at investigating the low-level adoption and widespread use of AR technology in the Australian construction industry. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore perceptions of the use of AR technology and its limitations from end-users perspectives and managers of construction companies in particular. As a result, a model is presented to map the influential factors and barriers to the adoption of AR. Findings revealed several concepts including lack of knowledge about AR, conservative management attitudes, absence of feasibility analysis, operability and work culture as factors influencing AR adoption in the industry. Moreover, the model provides a basis to direct future research on the topic.
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ItemExclusion and Inclusion in the Australian AEC Industry and Its Significance for Women and Their Organizations(ASCE-AMER SOC CIVIL ENGINEERS, 2021-09-01)Based on valuing individual differences and embracing all employees, diversity management is relatively widespread and evident in many organizations. However, discriminatory work practices and lack of support persist in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, with higher turnover for women and lower participation rates still evident. While well-meaning, these diversity strategies and practices are costly. Therefore, it is essential to understand the benefits women and their organizations gain, as well as attributes associated with more diverse and inclusionary workplaces. A theoretical framework based on social exchange theory was used to develop a questionnaire administered to professional women in the AEC industry. The sample was divided into two groups, women who experienced inclusion or exclusion, and comparisons made using a range of statistical tests. While inclusion did not affect women's career advancement, it was associated with increased satisfaction and decreased turnover intent. Inclusive companies had more female employees and leaders and also featured significantly higher mentoring and organizational training levels. The findings demonstrate inclusion to be essential for women's retention and an important management objective for the AEC industry.