Engineering, Project, and Production Management: Lessons Learnt from Each Other

Engineering, Project, and Production Management: Lessons Learnt from Each Other

This Journal always faces the challenge of bringing together the three disciplines in a common pool of management research. This edition provides at least a paper in each of the disciplines. Although each paper has a clearly defined focus in a specific discipline, the contribution of knowledge by each seems relevant to all three disciplines. This reinforces the need to further integrate the managerial aspects of the three disciplines for mutual benefits. The first paper evaluates the development of Structural Insulated Panels (SIP). Panjehpour et al. gave an overview of the application and drawbacks of SIP as a construction material. The paper revealed the current research questions that require further study if SIP is to be universally accepted as a suitable alternative material for walls, floors and roof coverings. The paper seems to highlight three key areas of further studies: technical issues such as joint connection, thermal and fire resistance, and opening sizes; secondly the facilities management issues such as repair and retrofit, breathability and insect nesting; and thirdly project management issues such as design management, standardisation, affordability and competitiveness. The second paper is classified under project management discipline. Farinloye et al. investigates the nature of theft and vandalism on building sites. They established the significance of the problem of thieves and vandals on sites facing the building industry. The problem is even more prevalent on large size projects where workers are often casual labourers. Two key recommendations: to empower workers to own and be responsible for their tools; and to improve on staff welfare to reduce disgruntled workers on building sites.