Infrastructure Engineering - Research Publications
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ItemForeword(Open Book Publishers, 2019-11-01)
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ItemInitiation of capital projects in industries having an operational focus: an Australian stevedoring case example(Emerald, 2020-12-15)Purpose: The initiation phase of capital projects is critical as this is where the highest number of options exist for modifying the project with minimal expenditure. Government and large organisations frequently involved in major capital projects have extensive procedures for this phase, yet organisations having an operational focus (like major container terminal stevedores), that only occasionally undertake capital projects face the dilemma of the trade-off between project planning and the management of operations. This research reported in this paper investigated the impact of industry operational considerations on the initiation of capital projects. Design: In addition to an extensive literature review, a living research investigation of real projects initiated by a stevedoring company operating in Australia has been observed; the primary author of this paper spent six months as a participant/observer and witnessed the initiation of 12 capital projects. The collected data was qualitatively analysed using a four-step coding method. Findings: The findings confirm that project initiation is a challenge for organisations who only spasmodically undertake capital projects and available project management frameworks do not necessarily consider the impact of such an organisation's culture. Issues identified that may have a negative impact on the initiation phase include lack of workplace trust, high individualism, ineffective interdepartmental communication, lack of resources and engineering and safety complexity. Originality: The study investigated an underexplored industry within the context of project initiation, using the Australian stevedoring as a case study. This initial investigation suggests that a tailored project management framework is needed for the initiation phase of projects to reflect the unique nature of the stevedoring industry and by inference other industries that have a strong operational focus.
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ItemReliability-Based Decision Support Framework for Major Changes to Social Infrastructure PPP Contracts(MDPI AG, 2020)In the operational phase of public-private partnership (PPP) contracts, undue delay in addressing real needs may lead to poor service outcomes; conversely, commencing variations to a PPP agreement on the whim of end-user runs the risk of reducing the value created by detailed structuring and considerations undertaken in establishing agreement. This difficulty is exasperated as there is generally a lack of understanding by the end-user as to the specifics of service delivery performance requirements contracted. In order to address this question, this study, for the first time, develops a reliability-based decision support framework (RDSF) that incorporates end-user’s perceived service quality (i.e., how satisfied it is with the space, operation and maintenance activities) with those specified in the PPP agreement, and further identifies when the gap between end-user’s expectations and contractual obligations warrants reconsideration. This developed framework is then implemented to test the data gathered from three PPP schools in Australia based on both a current snapshot of performance data, i.e., abatements as gathered through contract documents and end-user’s perception through in-depth interviews, and a projected scenario of the future as well. Reliability analysis used here compares time-dependent risk profiles of current and expected performance and thereby identifies major changes in a PPP contract that would sensibly require reconsideration. The specific results indicate there is no current difficulty between end-user’s perception and the contract. However, the projected long-term scenario demonstrates how the decision framework can identify areas for review and changes if end-users are more dissatisfied with the service being achieved. The RDSF is capable of quantifying current service performance, considering the engagement of the end-user. Thus it enriches theories in the field of performance management system (PMS), and also contributes to knowledge regarding an evidence-based test for justifying possible agreement modifications or additional works in social PPPs operations. In addition, guidance for performance improvement strategies in aspects of the dissatisfied area is also provided. Application of this approach would assist in maintaining the long-term value for money of social infrastructure PPP agreements.
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ItemPotential Infrastructure Enhancements for Ports and Cities: Conclusions, Future Research and Policy Concepts(Open Book Publishers, 2019)The final chapter of this research monograph draws together key points from each of the chapters. It summarises key findings from the research and poses questions that would benefit from future/further research.
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ItemInitial Investigation into the Effectiveness of Australian Ports’ Governance and Management Structures(Open Book Publishers, 2019)The ninth chapter considers effectiveness of port governance and management structures in Australia. It briefly reviews Australian port reform, before considering private, local and international investment in Australia; the make-up of investors in major city ports in Australia; and the need to carefully assess foreign investment in critical infrastructure. Asset recycling in Australia is discussed. Factors identified from focus group discussions (in Australia) with key port stakeholders that help improve or act as obstacles to governance/policy, and that help improve or hinder management structures in ports, are also presented.
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ItemComparative Efficiency Analysis of Australian and Indonesian Ports(Open Book Publishers, 2019)A comparative analysis of Australian and Indonesian port efficiency is presented in the sixth chapter. The analysis utilises the Data Envelope Analysis model to quantify and measure the efficiency of ports, focusing on port and container cargoes. Ports included in the benchmarking included major Australian, Indonesian and Chinese international ports. International benchmarking of port facilities provides an opportunity to identify areas for improvement.
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ItemInfrastructure Investment in Indonesia: A Focus on Ports(Open Book Publishers, 2019)Infrastructure Investment in Indonesia: A Focus on Ports presents an important and original collation of current material investigating the efficient facilitation of major infrastructure projects in Indonesia and Australia, with an emphasis on infrastructure investment and a focus on port planning and development. This interdisciplinary collection—spanning the disciplines of engineering, law and planning—draws helpfully on a range of practical and theoretical perspectives. It is the collaborative effort of leading experts in the fields of infrastructure project initiation and financing, and is based on international research conducted by the University of Melbourne, Universitas Indonesia and Universitas Gadjah Mada. The volume opens with a macroscopic perspective, outlining the broader economic situations confronting Indonesia and Australia, before adopting a more microscopic perspective to closely examine the issues surrounding major infrastructure investment in both countries. Detailed case studies are provided, key challenges are identified, and evidence-based solutions are offered. These solutions respond to such topical issues as how to overcome delays in infrastructure project initiation; how to enhance project decision-making for the selection and evaluation of projects; how to improve overall efficiency in the arrangement of project finance and governance; and how to increase the return provided by investment in infrastructure. Special focus is given to proposed improvements to the portal cities of Indonesia in the areas of major infrastructure project governance, policies, engagement, operation and processes. By rigorously investigating the economic, transport, finance and policy aspects of infrastructure investment, this book will be a valuable resource for policy makers and government officials in Indonesia and Australia, infrastructure investment organisations, and companies involved in exporting services between Indonesia and Australia. This book will also be of interest to researchers and students of infrastructure planning and financing, setting a solid foundation for subsequent investigations of financing options for large-scale infrastructure developments
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ItemVisual Tools for Analyzing and Organizing Engineering Data and Information(IGI Global, 2019)The chapter examines the use of visual tools in inquiry-based learning in post graduate engineering education. Engineering information has traditionally been communicated using engineering drawings and engineering graphics. With the advancement of technology, engineers are now empowered to work with data, information and to computer generated graphics. The ability to visualise data is fast becoming an important part of an engineer’s tool kit and skill sets. Just as engineering graphics have been used to aid product visualisation, knowledge of visual tools such as graphs, charts, fishbone diagrams, and one-pagers, posters etc are important as they have been successfully employed in the industry for decades as a basis for organisational learning and dissemination of information. However, many educational institutions still rely on text-based learning, which may rely on linguistic abilities to convey complex concepts. Visual learning tools such as a poster can overcome some of the disadvantages of language by showing complex relationships in diagrams or in a visual manner. In properly structured exercises, learners can also acquire knowledge and know-how by using visual tools to represent ideas in a similar manner. In this book chapter, we examine some of the visual tools that are commonly used in industry, we will attempt to explain the significance by using learning theories and showing examples of how they can be applied in a learning environment. In particular, we showcase how a poster can be used to combine a variety of visual tools to present information in a logical and consistent manner. We will also give a report on on-going education research work done use of one-pager or poster as a visual learning tool. Students reported benefits in poster exercise compared with a written assignment. This chapter also discusses the educational and managerial significance of using visual tools to greater effectiveness as the ability to communicate technical information is an important part of an engineer’s training and has significant implications on an engineer’s effectiveness.
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ItemUnderstanding the Green Building Industry in Thailand(Springer, 2020)Promoting green building has become a global trend to improve resource efficiency and well-being of societies. The aim of this study is to systematically investigate the key aspects of the green building industry in Thailand (i.e., critical successful factors, key green technologies, and barriers) and to provide a sound basis for deeply understanding the drivers of the industry. Based on a survey of consultants, architects, and engineers, the results show that critical success factors of green building are mainly related to competence of project participants, integration of project team, technical and management innovation, external environment, and project characteristics. The analysis of green technical capabilities demonstrates that project participants should emphasize improving technical skills in green building, use of green materials, and familiarity with green building rating systems. Barriers to green building mainly arise from financial pressure, technical limitation, and inadequate promotion. The findings can help project participants to adopt appropriate strategies in boosting green building in emerging markets of developing countries. Future studies should focus on levering the demand of the market, integrated green technology innovation, and management measures at project, organizational, and industrial levels.
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ItemEngaging employees with good sustainability: Key performance indicators for dry ports(MDPI AG, 2019-05-24)Dry ports have the potential to enhance the sustainability of transport systems, yet their introduction requires major changes to the current logistics chain. Further, emphasising sustainability goals and continued employee engagement can be a challenge when developing or implementing organisational change management programs in dry ports. Key considerations include governmental requirements and compliance, investor expectations, as well as employee engagement; these factors may be conflicting. The top-down management approach supported by strong leadership, participative approaches and constant communication assists in achieving successful change management. Sound selection of key performance indicators (KPIs) provides a set of metrics to track and aid the change process. They serve as a unifying link between top managements’ sustainability goals and employees’ engagement. The initial findings of our research confirm that both port and terminal operators have a gap in their understanding of the importance of sustainability goals and environmental goals. This will have a flow-on effect of port and terminal operators not driving the right messages to their staff in their organisational change management programs. Based on a critical literature review, it has been established what might qualify as good sustainability KPIs for dry ports. An example of a dry port at the Port of Somerton has been included. As every dry port has different requirements and constraints, it is important to develop KPIs together with stakeholders.