Communication Networks: Design and Build Delivery Method in Construction Industry in Hong Kong
Introduction
Communication is considered as one of the most important aspects in any project, more particularly in the construction industry. However, there are many problems that are different problems that are associated and connected with the process of communication in the construction industry. One of this is the way the industry is structured. The project team is consists of different people coming from different firms. They have different contributions and different information and data are being sent to them. The said situation needs efficient communication network as well as usage of advanced and helpful technology (Fryer 1985, p. 62).
On the other hand, aside from the communication problems in a group, there are also different problems that might occur in the personal communication level. One of this is the failure of people to keep their message concise and simple, and the amount of the information that is being passed is not adequate, that can cause to misleading of information (Fryer 1985, p. 62).
The design-build construction delivery method is advantageous for clients that favor a single point of accountability for both the design and the construction process (Megen Construction Company n.d.). The said method was used worldwide in the last decade in order to deal with the different problems that are connected with the traditional system (Chan & Chan 2004, p. 387). Design-build is more cost-effective and time-efficient means of building different projects, more specifically the industrial, commercial, multi-residential projects and different sports projects (Forrester 2001).
Design-Build Construction Delivery Method
In the design-build construction delivery method, the owner employs his or her own construction manager in order to work with an architect for the process of facilitating the design, bidding as well as the letting of the contracts in the construction. The construction manager will acts as either a consultant to the owner, or as a construction contractor. The construction manager usually has extensive knowledge sand proficiency in construction technology, constructability issues, construction scheduling, and construction costs (Spreiregen & De Paz 2005, p. 270).
A construction manager who acts as an advisor will manage the design contracts and works as the owner’s representative with the design team. He or she also runs different construction contracts, however does not have any financial accountability for the entire construction of the project. A construction manager may, though, handle some of the usual non-construction activities at the site, such as assembling the temporary site amenities, site and construction testing, engineering, building and site layout, and construction site cleaning (Spreiregen & De Paz 2005, p. 270).
On the other hand, the construction manager who acts as a contractor suppose a vendor connections with the owner and handle different financial accountability for the entire construction of the project such as the fixed-price, cost-plus and the guaranteed maximum price cost structure (Spreiregen & De Paz 2005, p. 270).
Figure 1 Design-Build
Communication Channel
Project Owner and Design-Builder
Figure 2 Project Owner and Design-Builder Communication Process
The project owner and the design-builder communication are considered as the most important communication in the entire relationship. This is due to the fact that the process of decision-making, proposal and approval are all included in this communication. Aside from that, the two entities also communicate more in formal manner than in informal communication. Most of the communications are documented, due to the issues of legalities. Series of formal meetings are also being set in order for the design-builder to inform the owner regarding the development of the projects as well as other inevitable and unpredictable events and issues.
Design-Builder and Design and Construction
Figure 3 Design-Builder and Design and Construction Communication Process
Figure 3 shows the communication process between the design-builder and the design and construction. The three entities focus on more formal communication than informal. This is due to the fact that most of the information that is being transferred is all important in the process of the decision-making. The design will pass the written report which indicates all the information regarding the design of the project, and as a feedback, the design-builder will send the approval or disapproval, the same thing goes to the construction. On the other hand, verbal and non-verbal communication serves as informal way of communication in order to be used for clarifying things and issues with connection to the project. On the other hand, series of meetings and presentation are also to be done in order to know other details regarding the plan.
Design and Construction Communication
The types of the construction drawings and other communication methods in the design-build office are different from the traditional design. This is due to the fact that the landscape architect in a design-build has a direct operational and working connection with the construction crew, the plans may be looser and more pictorial than the construction bid documents typically produced by the design-only office. The design-build landscape architect is more likely to use sketches of construction details, three-dimensional drawings, direct verbal communication with the firm’s construction superintendent, photographs of previously completed projects, and direct supervision on the job site as the method of communication required in order to get the project built (Rogers 1996).
Figure 4 Communication between Design and Construction
Figure 4 shows the relationship or the communication process between the design and the construction. The design aspect communicate first with the construction by the help of the construction details and plan document which specify all of the necessary information and details regarding the design and other things that are related in order to build a specific project. The answer of the construction will be documented into update report, that will state and show all the current processes and updates that are going on with the project. Both of the said documents focus on the formal communication process between the two. On the other hand, direct verbal and non-verbal communication will also be done as an informal communication or connection between the two, this can be done by series of meetings that can be done in person or using latest technology such as chat and video conferencing, the two aspects can also communicate via the use of e-mail.
Problems in Communication Channel
Most of the communication channels that are being used in the delivery approach in the construction industry focus on the verbal and non-verbal as well as direct and indirect communication between leaders to leaders, and leaders to the subordinate. Furthermore, different technologies are also being used as medium of communication, most especially when one leader that is needed in the communication process located in far place, in order to attend a meeting personally.
Verbal and written communication skill is important aspects that must have for the leaders in the design and build process. This is due to the fact that all of the decision-making and responsibilities relies on one particular entity or organization and that is the design and builder. That is the reason why communication and data flow is important in order to make sure that everything is doing great based on the plan.
In terms of verbal communication, there are many factors that can cause problems between the two entities or people who are communicating. One of this is the culture that can affect the perspective or the point of view of one person regarding the message that is being forwarded to the receiving end. The said factor might cause misunderstanding between the two communicating persons that might cause problems in the project such as delay, inconsistency that might cause failure of the project or might risk different safety issues.
It is also important to focus on the communication between the different leaders such as the head of the design and build and their relationship with the leader or head of the design and construction. This is due to the fact that any misconception and misunderstanding between the leaders can be passed to the subordinate.
It is also important to consider the indirect communication method such as the documentation and other communication via the use of technology. Documentation must be updated because it can cause conflict with the current status of the project itself. Furthermore, documentation is important in the entire decision-making regarding the project that is the reason why it is important to make sure that all of the data and information that are included in the document are precise.
Another problem in the communication channel is the delay of delivery of information. This can cause problems regarding the consistency of works and tasks in the project.
Another problem is the sudden and inevitable change of decision and information regarding the project. It can cause misunderstanding between the different leaders as well as the subordinates. This is when one of the leaders is not informed regarding the change and still continues to implement the prior plan or decision.
Communication System
All of the said problems regarding the communication channels in the design-build delivery approach in the construction system can be solved via the use of different improved and innovative technologies and application in the entire communication system of the project. It is important to design first the communication system of the project in order to make sure that all of the communication channels and mediums are open for the real-time communication and relations of the different entities inside the organization.
Real-time communication such as chat, e-mail as well as e-conferencing will be helpful in order to maintain sound and updated communication between the different entities in the project. This can help to reduce and remove the problems and dilemmas that are caused by misunderstanding due to sudden and inevitable changes in the decision of the owner or of the design and builder.
Furthermore, it can also help to reduce the different dilemmas that are caused by differences between individuals such as culture and behaviors.
On the other hand, there are different disadvantages and dilemmas that are incorporated and related to the use of Information Technology, particularly the Internet in terms of communication process. One of this is the security issues for the different data and information that are being shared. Unauthorized access and other related communication problems are considered as a great threat for the communication process regarding the project. It is also important to plan for the authorization of the access of the different entities in the project, in order to make sure that each and every person will only access the information that is necessary for their position and job.
That is the reason why it is important to have a proper controlling and maintaining plan regarding the communication system of the project, in order to ensure that each and every channels and mediums that are being used are free from any eavesdropper and thief.
Conclusion
Design and build delivery approach is already popular method that is being used by many establishments, organizations and individuals in different part of the globe. This is due to the fact that it can help to save money and effort in organizing the project. But, just like any project, regardless of any methods and approach that will be used, without proper planning for the communication system, it will not be successful.
It is important to include the plan for the communication system of a project in the overall plan for the project. This is to make sure that all of the communication line and entities that are included and related to the project are all connected that will help to maintain consistency of the different tasks in the project.
In terms of design-build approach in Hong Kong, the communication system can be considered as not as complex, when compare to other approach, more particularly in the traditional system, but it is still important to maintain the security and consistency of the communication system of the project.
It is also important to maintain the upward, downward and parallel communication between the different entities in the project, in order to make sure that all of the information is being disseminated in consistent manner.
References
Chan, A & Chan D 2004, ‘Development of the Design-Build Procurement System in Hong Kong’, Architectural Science Review, vol. 47, no. 4, pp. 389 – 390
Design/Build Approach, Megen Construction Company, viewed 21 July 2008, <http://www.megenconstruction.com/desbuild.htm>
Forrester, B 2001, Design/Build Approach Gains Favor, But Has Its Drawbacks, Nashville Business Journal, viewed 21 July 2008, < http://nashville.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2001/03/05/focus3.html>
Rogers, W 1996, The Professional Practice of Landscape Architecture: A Complete Guide, John Wiley and Sons
Spreiregen, P & De Paz, B 2005, Pre-Design, Kaplan AEC Architecture
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