Buildings

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

18 pages, 470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modelling Work–Study Conflict Effects on Built Environment Students’ Well-Being, Health, and Academic Performance

by Marini Samaratunga and Imriyas Kamardeen

Buildings 2025, 15(3), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15030406 - 27 Jan 2025

Viewed by 478

Abstract

Balancing academic responsibilities and work commitments poses significant challenges for students in built environment (BE) programs, often leading to compromised well-being and academic difficulties. This study examines the causal effects of balancing work–study responsibilities on students’ health, well-being, and academic outcomes, addressing critical [...] Read more.

Balancing academic responsibilities and work commitments poses significant challenges for students in built environment (BE) programs, often leading to compromised well-being and academic difficulties. This study examines the causal effects of balancing work–study responsibilities on students’ health, well-being, and academic outcomes, addressing critical gaps in the literature. A positivist research approach was employed, with data collected via an online survey of 253 undergraduate BE students from Australian universities. The survey assessed academic and work stressors, health, mental well-being, coping strategies, and academic outcomes. Statistical analyses, including one-sample t-tests, factor analysis, and path analysis, were used to analyse the data. The findings reveal that BE students experience severe stress and moderate levels of anxiety and depression, significantly impacting their academic performance. Common health issues include fatigue and sleep disturbances. Work–study conflict and performance anxiety were identified as the strongest predictors of negative health outcomes, with maladaptive coping strategies amplifying these effects. These results underscore the urgent need for institutional interventions, such as flexible learning options, enhanced mental health services, and industry partnerships to alleviate work–study conflicts. Encouraging adaptive coping mechanisms and providing targeted support can help mitigate adverse effects, promoting improved academic performance and well-being among BE students. These findings can be generalised to students in other academic disciplines and countries, as similar work–study challenges and their associated impacts are observed globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

28 pages, 652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Becoming an Employer of Choice for Generation Z in the Construction Industry

by Makram Bou Hatoum and Hala Nassereddine

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020263 - 17 Jan 2025

Viewed by 546

Abstract

The construction industry faces significant challenges including a critical skill shortage and an aging workforce, threatening the industry’s productivity, resilience, and knowledge retention. To address this issue, it becomes critical to attract, hire, and retain younger generations, particularly Generation Z (Gen Z), who [...] Read more.

The construction industry faces significant challenges including a critical skill shortage and an aging workforce, threatening the industry’s productivity, resilience, and knowledge retention. To address this issue, it becomes critical to attract, hire, and retain younger generations, particularly Generation Z (Gen Z), who are projected to become a dominant workforce by 2030. To this end, this study explores the employer preferences of Gen Z students joining the USA construction industry, providing valuable insights into their priorities and expectations. The study evaluates 27 employer of choice (EOC) factors to identify key criteria influencing Gen Z’s choice of employers. Analyses were conducted across various demographic and experiential categories, including gender, racial/ethnic backgrounds, first-generation status, those with loans, family influence, prior industry experience, intimidation by macho culture, and shifts in perspectives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal that Gen Z prioritizes respect, work–life balance, and job security, and values flexibility in work schedules and hybrid work environments. The findings were also used to propose eight recommendations for employers to become EOCs. Insights from this research serve a dual purpose by offering a foundation for further academic exploration and equipping industry practitioners with the data needed to tailor their recruitment and retention strategies to Gen Z. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Employee Training Stabilise the Workforce of Frontline Workers in Construction Firms? An Empirical Analysis of Turnover Intentions

by Wenyan Yao, Mohd Anuar Arshad, Qinjie Yang and Jianping Tan

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020183 - 10 Jan 2025

Viewed by 486

Abstract

The construction industry is a critical pillar of China’s economy, providing substantial employment opportunities for society. However, the high turnover rate among frontline construction workers has become a significant challenge to the development of the industry. This high mobility not only increases recruitment [...] Read more.

The construction industry is a critical pillar of China’s economy, providing substantial employment opportunities for society. However, the high turnover rate among frontline construction workers has become a significant challenge to the development of the industry. This high mobility not only increases recruitment and training costs for companies but also seriously affects the quality, safety, and productivity of construction projects. This study aims to investigate the impact of employee training on the turnover intention of frontline employees in the construction industry, as well as to analyze the role of organizational identification and perceived supervisor support. Data were analyzed through a structured questionnaire survey of 533 frontline construction employees using the study’s Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that training is effective in reducing turnover intention among frontline employees and that this effect is partly achieved by increasing employees’ organizational identification. In addition, perceived supervisor support moderates the relationship between employee training and turnover intention, and the effect of employee training on reducing turnover intention is more significant when perceived supervisor support is high. This study further validates the applicability of social exchange theory in the context of China’s construction industry, reveals the key roles of employee training and organizational identification in reducing turnover intention, and highlights the important influence of perceived supervisor support as a means of enhancing the effectiveness of employee training, which provides a rationale for Chinese construction firms to optimize the training system and enhance supervisor support in order to improve employee retention intention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Work–Family Conflict and Support on Construction Professionals’ Family Satisfaction: An Integrated Model in Chile

by Briguitte Neculman, Leonardo Sierra-Varela, Berta Schnettler and Noé Villegas-Flores

Buildings 2025, 15(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15010014 - 24 Dec 2024

Viewed by 440

Abstract

In the construction industry in Chile, workers face high levels of work–family conflict due to demanding working conditions. This study examines the interactions between work–family conflict, perceived family and organizational support, and the legal regulatory framework on the family satisfaction of professionals in [...] Read more.

In the construction industry in Chile, workers face high levels of work–family conflict due to demanding working conditions. This study examines the interactions between work–family conflict, perceived family and organizational support, and the legal regulatory framework on the family satisfaction of professionals in this sector. A sample of 500 workers is evaluated using the partial least squares structural equation method (PLS-SEM). The results highlight that both the legal regulatory framework and perceived family support significantly positively affect family satisfaction. Moreover, organizational support is limited in this situation, whereas work–family and family–work conflicts adversely affect family satisfaction. This study provides evidence for the design of labor policies in construction in Chile, emphasizing the importance of strengthening family support and the regulatory framework to improve work–family balance and workers’ well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Positive Impact of Prefabrication on the Mental Health of Construction Workers

by Rasaki Kolawole Fagbenro, Riza Yosia Sunindijo and Chethana Illankoon

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 4025; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14124025 - 18 Dec 2024

Viewed by 516

Abstract

Based on the literature-established benefits of prefabrication to promote better working conditions and its potential to enhance workers’ overall mental health, this study compares the state of mental health of traditional and prefabricated construction workers. In addition to the mostly adopted negative measures [...] Read more.

Based on the literature-established benefits of prefabrication to promote better working conditions and its potential to enhance workers’ overall mental health, this study compares the state of mental health of traditional and prefabricated construction workers. In addition to the mostly adopted negative measures of mental health such as anxiety and depression, positive mental health indicators were also used to measure and compare overall mental health conditions of the two categories of construction workers. Data were collected with a questionnaire from 93 prefabricated factory-based and site-based construction workers in Australia. The survey contains eight items to measure poor mental health and seventeen variables of four sub-constructs of positive mental health (emotional, social, psychological, and cultural/religious well-beings). An independent samples t-test was employed to examine the significance of the differences between the means of traditional and prefabricated construction workers on the measured variables and their underlying constructs of mental health and well-being. The findings revealed significantly lower symptoms of burn-out (reduced task accomplishment), suicide ideation (feeling less interested in life), and depression among the workers in prefabricated projects. Similarly, prefabrication tends to provide a positive-mental-health-supportive environment, as the workers were found to be significantly healthier than traditional construction workers on the subjective measures of emotional, social, psychological, and cultural/religious well-beings. Assessing the predictive influence of prefabrication on the overall mental health of different groups of construction workers, especially with qualitative data from different samples in different times, is recommended for future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

11 pages, 1321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Effectiveness and Efficiency of a Training Program for Tunnel Construction Workers

by Zongyong Guo, Huadi Tao, Yanqun Yang and Wei Lin

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3733; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123733 - 23 Nov 2024

Viewed by 745

Abstract

With the benefits of reduced travel time and alleviated traffic congestion, tunnel construction significantly enhances urban mobility. Meanwhile, tunnel construction accidents result in many casualties and property losses. To minimize accidents associated with tunnel construction while keeping its benefits, it is important to [...] Read more.

With the benefits of reduced travel time and alleviated traffic congestion, tunnel construction significantly enhances urban mobility. Meanwhile, tunnel construction accidents result in many casualties and property losses. To minimize accidents associated with tunnel construction while keeping its benefits, it is important to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of training programs for construction workers. However, there is a lack of training evaluation systems specifically designed for tunnel construction workers, along with limited research on the effectiveness and efficiency of training programs for this group. This paper targets personnel from the China Railway 14th Bureau Group Company, aiming to evaluate a training program designed for tunnel construction workers. Three popular training approaches are proposed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of training outcomes, including WeChat push safety construction knowledge (WP), the emergency drill (ED), and the unitive lecture (UL). Additionally, a concept of study is conducted to examine the performance of the proposed approaches in eighteen schemes that vary at different levels of training intensity by using VR (virtual reality), an electroencephalogram (EEG) system, and data enveloping analysis (DEA). The results show that the ED is the most effective training method, enabling industry professionals to respond effectively to unsafe situations by equipping them with critical skills through comprehensive training. Additionally, the ED has great potential for training tunnel construction workers via the provision of simulated experiences to enhance their safety preparedness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 2162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Drone Operator Competency within the Construction Industry: Assessing Training Needs and Roadmap for Skill Development

by Janet Mayowa Nwaogu, Yang Yang, Albert P. C. Chan and Xiaowei Wang

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1153; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041153 - 19 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2242

Abstract

Industry 5.0 is expected to solve the issue of job insecurity and reluctance to adopt emerging technologies in Industry 4.0 through increased workforce participation. To achieve that, proactive training should be afforded to enable the workforce to co-work with new technologies. Drones are [...] Read more.

Industry 5.0 is expected to solve the issue of job insecurity and reluctance to adopt emerging technologies in Industry 4.0 through increased workforce participation. To achieve that, proactive training should be afforded to enable the workforce to co-work with new technologies. Drones are an emerging technology increasingly adopted in construction, which has enormous data collection and safety implications when operational skills are inadequate. Yet, current drone training programs appear to be generic, and their ability to equip operators for flying tasks is questioned. This study aims to answer this question by assessing the adequacy of existing drone training programs and proposing training needs and strategies for drone operators in the construction industry. Data collected using semi-structured interviews from 22 purposively selected respondents in Hong Kong and desk research of websites were subjected to inductive content and thematic analysis using MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2022 software and narrative review. It was deduced that drone training courses in Hong Kong were mostly generic (UAS Pilot Training—Level 1, FPV operation). Interviewees considered existing drone training/training courses as inadequate for four reasons, including “lack of context-fitting considerations”, “incompetence of drone operators”, and “lack of demand/interest”. Regarding the need for specialized drone training courses, two barriers and two training ecosystem themes emerged, with the high cost of specialized courses being a potential barrier to adoption since they could hamper enrolment. The training ecosystem themes were consistent with the “the training is inadequate” theme. This study proposes two drone operation training strategies: “competence-based training” and a “train-the-trainer” model. Drone training courses or programs under each training strategy should include (i) training content such as “safety training” and off-GPS training and (ii) knowledge and skill maintenance measures such as mandatory continuous professional development and retraining techniques. The proposed training strategies will equip operators to work efficiently and safely with drones. The study offers valuable references for training organizations and government authorities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 1926 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applying the Tier II Construction Management Strategy to Measure the Competency Level among Single and Multiskilled Craft Professionals

by Rakan K. Albalawi, Paul M. Goodrum and Timothy R. B. Taylor

Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1175; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051175 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

Various contemporary studies have revealed a heightened need for the implementation of effective strategies to reduce labor shortages in the construction industry. The subsequent investigation outcomes have identified multiskilling labor strategies as viable solutions to alleviate labor deficiencies in the construction sector. These [...] Read more.

Various contemporary studies have revealed a heightened need for the implementation of effective strategies to reduce labor shortages in the construction industry. The subsequent investigation outcomes have identified multiskilling labor strategies as viable solutions to alleviate labor deficiencies in the construction sector. These strategies aim to train single-skilled craft professionals so that they can acquire different skills and complete tasks in addition to their primary duties in the workplace; however, limitations exist in terms of measuring competency levels among single-skilled and multiskilled craft professionals. Thus, a workforce management strategy, referred to as Tier II strategy metrics, is used in this study as a comprehensive approach to evaluate the construction workers’ competency levels among more than 2740 workers in the industry. Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression was applied to explain the variability in both the project craft technical and project craft management Tier II score. The overall average Tier II score for multiskilled workers was 6.27, whereas single-skilled workers scored 5.17. The results show that multiskilled craft professionals have higher competency levels compared with single-skilled craft professionals. The outcome from the regression model demonstrates that craft workers who are experts and multiskilled are competent in terms of their project craft technical skill, and years of experience is the most important variable for predicting high competency levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1370 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Study of the Soft Skills Possessed and Required in the Construction Sector

by Andries (Hennie) van Heerden, Mostafa Babaeian Jelodar, Gregory Chawynski and Sean Ellison

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020522 - 14 Feb 2023

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8085

Abstract

Soft skills are essential to employability and retention; therefore, if obtained and observed, they can significantly reduce sector-wide turnover. This study aims to investigate and compare soft skills that industry professionals currently possess and soft skills the industry requires and needs to attain. [...] Read more.

Soft skills are essential to employability and retention; therefore, if obtained and observed, they can significantly reduce sector-wide turnover. This study aims to investigate and compare soft skills that industry professionals currently possess and soft skills the industry requires and needs to attain. A questionnaire was administered using the RICS database, and 741 respondents participated in this study. Initially, the soft skills possessed and the soft skills required were analysed and compared via descriptive statistics. Furthermore, principal component factor analysis was used to identify the underlying factors and classify the identified soft skills. It was found that there are alignments and evident discrepancies between the actual skills currently possessed and the skills required by these professionals. The soft skills currently possessed by the industry were classified into three groups: (a) Ethics and Professionalism Cluster; (b) Self-Effort Management Cluster; and (c) Management—Leadership and Power Cluster. This was different to the two clusters identified for the soft skills requirements, which were: (a) trait-based cluster—less controllable; (b) training-based cluster—more controllable. The study concludes that there are controllable and less-controllable skills, which need to be possessed and managed in building professionals. Controllable soft skills are easier to train, whereas trait-based soft skills are more difficult to train and possess. The findings of this research are significant as their understanding can be used to help mitigate turnover and guide construction sector professionals to plan for the appropriate skills they require. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

28 pages, 6389 KiB

Open AccessReview

Construction Engineering and Management: Review of Research from Australia-Based Academics

by Tayyab Ahmad, Ajibade A. Aibinu and Dawood Ahmed

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14071913 - 22 Jun 2024

Viewed by 2060

Abstract

Construction Engineering and Management (CEM) is a critically important discipline that provides a scientific and management-oriented perspective for building and construction projects. Owing to the contingent nature of this industry, CEM research is highly context-specific and is governed by socio-economic needs, environmental challenges, [...] Read more.

Construction Engineering and Management (CEM) is a critically important discipline that provides a scientific and management-oriented perspective for building and construction projects. Owing to the contingent nature of this industry, CEM research is highly context-specific and is governed by socio-economic needs, environmental challenges, and industry-specific issues. Australia is home to several universities engaged in CEM-related research and training. In terms of the CEM research volume, Australia occupies fourth place, globally. Considering the importance of Australia-based CEM research, the aim of this study was to investigate how CEM research in Australia has developed temporally and across different institutions, how research collaborations in this area materialized, and which topics and research domains are typically being explored. Accordingly, this study conducted a systematic review of 4318 publications from 158 Australia-based CEM academics, primarily based in eight Australian universities. Based on Scientometric and critical review techniques, this study provides insights into research topics, research growth, publication volume, and collaboration in the CEM research discipline in Australia. Similar to global CEM research, Australia-based CEM research places a high emphasis on topics such as risk, sustainability, decision-making, cost, design, and BIM. However, unlike global research trends, Australia-based CEM research places a much higher emphasis on safety and stakeholder management. Australian institutions have high collaboration among themselves and with Chinese and Hong Kong-based institutions. Recommendations for research development in Australia are provided to facilitate a discussion on how Australian institutions can set the future agenda for CEM research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessReview

Developing Supplemental Instructional Videos for Construction Management Education

by Andrew F. Barnes, Andrew P. McCoy and Quinn Warnick

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2466; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102466 - 28 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1364

Abstract

Technological advancements and lower production costs since the mid-1990s have dramatically improved opportunities for instructors to tailor self-made instructional videos for their students. However, video production technology has outpaced the development of educational theory, causing instructional videos to consistently fall short of their [...] Read more.

Technological advancements and lower production costs since the mid-1990s have dramatically improved opportunities for instructors to tailor self-made instructional videos for their students. However, video production technology has outpaced the development of educational theory, causing instructional videos to consistently fall short of their pedagogical potential. Responding to these shortcomings, scholars from various backgrounds have started publishing guidelines to help practitioners as they develop instructional videos for their respective fields. Using a rapid literature review, this article contributes to this ongoing effort by synthesizing theory-based, best-practice guidelines for a specific subcategory of educational videos called supplemental instructional videos (SIVs). SIVs are different from other types of instructional videos in that they are used to support and magnify other learning methods, mediums, and materials rather than substitute for them. Bringing the best-practice guidelines synthesized in this paper immediately into application, they were used to inform the production of SIVs for an undergraduate course that was held in the Building Construction Department of a major public university in the United States during the Spring 2020 semester. The methods used in the production of the SIV guidelines were systematically documented during the course for future researchers and practitioners to learn and build from. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

21 pages, 1152 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Emerging Technologies on Student Learning, Engagement, and Employability in Built Environment Education

by Amir Naser Ghanbaripour, Nima Talebian, Dane Miller, Roksana Jahan Tumpa, Weiwei Zhang, Mehdi Golmoradi and Martin Skitmore

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2769; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092769 - 3 Sep 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 12782

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic literature review of the impact of emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and gamification on student engagement, learning outcomes, and employability in Built Environment (BE) education. This review covers studies conducted [...] Read more.

This paper presents a systematic literature review of the impact of emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and gamification on student engagement, learning outcomes, and employability in Built Environment (BE) education. This review covers studies conducted between 2013 and 2023, utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework. From an initial pool of 626 studies, 61 were identified and rigorously analyzed. The findings reveal that these technologies significantly enhance student engagement by providing immersive and interactive learning experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Furthermore, their use is shown to improve learning outcomes by facilitating a deeper understanding of complex concepts and increasing student motivation. In terms of employability, the integration of digital tools into BE education equips students with the requisite skills that are increasingly demanded in the modern workplace. However, the study also identifies several challenges, including high costs, limited resources, and the need for extensive faculty training, which act as barriers to the effective implementation of these technologies. Despite these challenges, this review underscores the transformative potential of digital technologies in BE education. This study is significant as it synthesizes recent evidence to highlight the critical role of digital technologies in reshaping BE education. It offers practical recommendations for educators and policymakers to enhance teaching and learning practices. Providing pathways for integrating these technologies into BE curricula, this study aims to inform future research and pedagogical strategies, ultimately contributing to the development of a highly skilled and adaptable workforce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI