Safi Ullah

Construction firms operate in knowledge-intensive and complex project environments where critical project knowledge is frequently fragmented across teams, documents, and digital systems. This fragmentation limits the systematic capture, structuring, and reuse of knowledge, which are fundamental processes for reducing knowledge loss, improving decision making, and enhancing project performance across organizational boundaries. Although effective knowledge mapping (KMp) is recognized as a valuable mechanism for organizing and disseminating such information, empirical evidence remains limited regarding how organizational, human, and technological factors interact to influence its effectiveness in construction contexts. This study addresses this gap by examining the interrelationships among these factors and their collective impact on KMp within construction firms. A quantitative, survey-based methodology was used to gather data from professionals within the construction industry. Structural equation modeling (SEM) using SPSS 23 and AMOS 24 was used to analyze the data and validate the measurement constructs and model fit. The study found that organizational frameworks, technological infrastructures, and human competencies significantly influence the effectiveness of KMp. Technological advancements were identified as a mediating factor, emphasizing the need for integration between digital tools and organizational culture to enhance knowledge-sharing processes. This study contributes to the knowledge management field by providing a systematic, data-driven perspective on the enablers of effective KMp. It extends the discourse on digital transformation and knowledge management, highlighting the importance of sociotechnical alignment between workforce capabilities and technological infrastructures. Future research should explore the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in automating KMp processes. Practically, the findings provide construction firms with a structured strategy that integrates organizational alignment, workforce development, and technological investment to enhance KMp effectiveness and improve project decision making.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to investigate the influence that firm-specific characteristics, such as organisational capabilities, risk management methods and stakeholder relationships, have on political risks (PRs) that are associated with multinational construction projects in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology employed in this investigation involved the acquisition of data through the use of questionnaires administered to experts in the construction industry. The research applied a quantitative method, and the sources of the data are from the Pakistani stakeholders. One hundred questionnaires were used for the data collection during field visits. Based on the data, it has been ensured that the valid questionnaires were utilised, and the data were tested for validity and reliability. The analysis tool utilised was SPSS software. For the questionnaire, a total of 15 firm-specific factors were considered in order to design the survey, which specifically targeted the identified features. The factors identified as risks were investigated using quantitative method to determine firm-specific risks. Findings: It was found that when stakeholders have a better grasp of these dynamics, they are better able to strengthen their resilience and efficacy in managing PRs, which ultimately increases the likelihood that the project will be successful. Research limitations/implications: International construction projects (ICPs) in emerging countries are substantially impacted by PRs, which can have a considerable impact on their success and sustainability. The study is localised and not generic as it is limited to Pakistan, and the risk factors considered are firm-specific but related to PRs. Practical implications: By identifying key risk factors, these firms can develop targeted risk management strategies, leading to enhanced decision-making and more efficient resource allocation. Effective strategies include diversification, local partnerships and comprehensive risk assessments tailored to the unique challenges faced by international contracting firms in Pakistan. Social implications: ICPs in emerging countries like Pakistan face critical problems, which include the presence of PRs. Although the larger political environment plays a significant part, the manner in which businesses navigate and mitigate PRs is also influenced by firm-specific elements. Originality/value: The study is novel in terms of the factors looked at, the data, the conceptual framework and the findings of the study. The dynamic political scene, which is characterised by instability, policy changes, corruption and geopolitical conflicts, poses significant dangers to the timeliness of projects, the expenses of such projects and the investments that are made in those projects.

Purpose: This study explores the factors influencing knowledge hiding (KH) in international construction projects (ICPs), focussing on the role of ethnic minorities (EMs) and interpersonal distrust (ID). It also aims to understand how these factors influence KH and explore the mediating effect of ID on the relationship between EMs and KH. Design/methodology/approach: A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed to professionals participating in ICPs. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse 294 valid responses, examining the effect of EMs, ID and demographic variables on KH behaviours. Our approach integrates insights from social identity theory (SIT) and actor network theory (ANT) to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the observed dynamics. Findings: The findings reveal that EMs significantly influence KH behaviours, with ID partially mediating this relationship. Additionally, demographic variables such as gender and age also play significant roles in KH behaviours. However, the degree of education did not show a significant impact on KH. Our results emphasise the critical importance of addressing ID and fostering inclusive environments to reduce KH. Research limitations/implications: While our study sheds light on the complex dynamics of KH in ICPs, further research could explore additional contextual factors and organisational influences. While our study emphasises the importance of inclusive practices and trust-building to mitigate KH, it also recognises the need for a deeper understanding of power dynamics and organisational contexts. Practical implications: Our findings underscore the importance of creating transparent and inclusive cultures of knowledge sharing (KS). Implementing inclusion initiatives and providing cultural awareness training can enhance project outcomes and organisational success. We also propose a practical framework to mitigate KH by promoting trust, inclusivity and effective KS practices. Originality/value: This study contributes to the understanding of knowledge management in multicultural project teams by integrating SIT and ANT, offering a comprehensive perspective on the factors driving KH in ICPs. The findings pave the way for future investigations into power dynamics and organisational contexts within ICPs.

This paper evaluates how households consider environmental attributes alongside other housing attributes in their residential location decisions along the coastline in Victoria Island, Nigeria. The data were obtained from tenants’ revealed preference surveys where 204 respondents rated 15 identified and most common key factors in the order by which they influence their residential location choices. The factor analytical approach was then applied to understand how these factors influence such decisions. Thus, this study also gives bearing to the factors considered in making policy and/or investment decisions around residential location choice (RLC). The results revealed the presence of four key components with a total variance of 70.76%. Among the components, neighbourhood, critical dwelling cum socio-economic attributes are found to have a significant influence in explaining 39.78% of the variation in the factors influencing the study area’s selection as the residential location choice (RLC) for households. The findings have implications for households’ residential location choices. For residential locations to be equally attractive to tenants, policymakers and urban planners should pay attention to addressing the menace of the neighbourhoods including crime and traffic congestion. Moreover, property owners should respond to tenants’ needs by paying attention to the provision of utility facilities such as portable water and an appropriate mix of toilet/bathrooms to available bedrooms.

This study examines Pakistan's public engineering projects' success based on project complexity and management expertise, using 100 questionnaires and developing hypotheses to evaluate organisational, technical, and environmental factors. Results indicate that project performance is positively linked to Project Management (PM) competence, underscoring the significance of skilled project managers in achieving favourable outcomes. Furthermore, leadership, management skills, communication, ethics, and integrity are identified as key drivers of project performance. On the other hand, technical and organisational complexities were discovered to have a negative influence, although environmental complexity did not significantly affect project performance. Several complexities, such as project objectives, tasks, and economic conditions, emerged as influential factors affecting project execution. This research contributes to PM theory, offering practical insights beneficial for project managers overseeing significant engineering endeavours and other professionals in this field. On a broader scale, the findings may inform governmental policies to enhance project performance, including qualifications for project managers. This study provides valuable guidance for addressing project complexities and improving project success within Pakistan's public engineering projects.

Marble is currently a commonly used material in the building industry, and environmental degradation is an inevitable consequence of its use. Marble waste occurs during the exploitation of deposits using shooting technologies. The obtained elements most mainly often have an irregular geometry and small dimensions, which excludes their use in the stone industry. There is no systematic way of disposing of these massive mounds of waste, which results in the occurrence of landfills and environmental pollution. To mitigate this problem, an effort was made to incorporate waste marble powder into clay bricks. Different percentage proportions of marble powder were considered as a partial substitute for clay, i.e., 5–30%. A total of 105 samples were prepared in order to assess the performance of the prepared marble clay bricks, i.e., their water absorption, bulk density, apparent porosity, salt resistance, and compressive strength. The obtained bricks were 1.3–19.9% lighter than conventional bricks. The bricks with the addition of 5–20% of marble powder had an adequate compressive strength with regards to the values required by international standards. Their compressive strength and bulk density decreased, while their water absorption capacity and porosity improved with an increased content of marble powder. The obtained empirical equations showed good agreement with the experimental results. The use of waste marble powder in the construction industry not only lowers project costs, but also reduces the likelihood of soil erosion and water contamination. This can be seen to be a crucial factor for economic growth in agricultural production.