Testing the Construction Site Supervisory Attributes in Applying Green Practices in Construction Operations

Authors

Keywords:

Developing Countries, Green Practices, Performance Evaluation, Productivity Improvement, Sustainability, Work-based Training

Abstract

Sources highlight that poor application of green practices, ineffective supervising strategies and inadequate apprenticeship facilities significantly impact the overall efficiency of construction project flows. Accordingly, this research attempts to test the construction supervisory traits in executing green concepts/practices in construction site operations. As part of a newly designed supervisory apprenticeship that was systematically designed utilising consecutive approaches, 59 construction supervisors were evaluated using four key sections of competency characteristics and the relevant learning domains. An assessment tool encompassing various levels of descriptions and criteria was developed using a comprehensive literary analysis and consultations with subject matter experts. The results point to a generalised modern guideline that describes the types of supervision traits related to the application of green concepts/practices that can be theoretically and practically taken into account during the construction process. Using appropriate statistical tests and professional evaluations, the validation and generalisation of the study’s applications were ensured with the reliable-ness of the findings. New standards and recommendations for construction supervision procedures are produced by the research, which might elevate this profession and make it the key determinant of the sustainability of site operations. This paper elaborates on the study’s broad implications and potential future applications in order to close the knowledge gap in the area of developing the application procedures and protocols related to skill enhancement/upgrading. The implementation of the research outcomes will significantly impact future practices in other developing nations and developing industries, even though the supervisory samples were used from the Sri Lankan construction setting.

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Author Biographies

  • Kesavan Manoharan, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka

    Mr. Kesavan Manoharan is serving as a Lecturer in the Department of Construction Technology, Faculty of Technology, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka) at present. He has academic teaching experience in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Planning, Structural Analysis, Structural Design, Construction Materials and Construction Technology. Mr. Kesavan has specific interest/experience in quality assurance practices in higher education, curriculum development and mapping processes. He has been supporting also the academic activities of other universities/institutions by conducting visiting lectures / guest lectures and workshops. Mr. Kesavan graduated from the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) with a BSc.Eng(Hons) degree specialized in Civil Engineering. He has professional memberships with the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), Society of Structural Engineers Sri Lanka (SSESL), Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL) and National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka (NSF-SL). Mr. Kesavan is presently reading his PhD in the area of Civil Engineering and Construction Management at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka). His academic/research interests expand to the areas, such as construction project planning and management, productivity and performance measurements and enhancement, resource management, labour and job quality improvement, project delay control, construction education, multi-disciplinary research bridging industrial and institutional practices, education, training and curriculum development, quality assurance practices in education and training; optimisation methods, etc.

  • Pujitha Dissanayake, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

    Dr. P.B.G. Dissanayake is serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) at present. He graduated from the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) with a BSc.Eng(Hons) degree specialised in Civil Engineering in 1991 and obtained his PhD from the University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong) in 1999. Dr. Dissanayake also worked as a Project Manager / Planning Engineer at Maunsell AECOM (Hong Kong) from 1998 to 2007. Dr. Dissanayake has been engaged in teaching and supervising research projects for undergraduate and postgraduate students at the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) for the recent 15 years. Dr. Dissanayake also served as the Head of the Department of Engineering Management, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) for a period of 3 years. Moreover, Dr. Dissanayake is currently serving as the Coordinator of the Postgraduate Programme on Sustainable Built Environment of the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka). His current research interests are related to the field of Civil Engineering and Construction Management track.

  • Chintha Pathirana, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

    Dr. C.K. Pathirana is serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) at present. She obtained her BSc.Eng, MSc.Eng and PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka). Dr. Pathirana also has Charted Engineering qualifications of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka. Her current research interests are related to civil engineering, construction materials and construction management.

  • Dharsana Deegahawature, Department of Industrial Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka

    Prof. M.M.D.R. Deegahawature is serving as a Professor in the Department of Industrial Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka) at present. He obtained his BSc (Business Administration) from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Sri Lanka) in 1999, MBA (Technology Management) from the Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand) in 2006 and PhD in Management from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China) in 2014. Prof. Deegahawature is also presently serving as the Director of the Staff Development Centre, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. His current research interests are related to industrial management and technology management.

  • Renuka Silva, Centre for Quality Assurance, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka

    Prof. K.D.R. Silva is presently serving as the Professor (Chair) in the Department of Applied Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka). He obtained his BSc(Hons) in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) and PhD in the discipline of Human Nutrition from the University of Reading (United Kingdom). Prof. Silva held several academic and administrative positions at the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, presently serving as the Director of the Centre for Quality Assurance. Prof Silva’s research interests span wider areas in nutrition, also in quality assurance related practices in education/training.

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Published

28-12-2023

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Articles

How to Cite

Manoharan, K., Dissanayake, P., Pathirana, C., Deegahawature, D., & Silva, R. (2023). Testing the Construction Site Supervisory Attributes in Applying Green Practices in Construction Operations. International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology, 14(4), 387-400. https://penerbit.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/IJSCET/article/view/14094