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Le Chen

Queensland University of Technology, School of Civil Engineering and Build Environment, Faculty Member

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Papers by Le Chen

A systemic exploration of drivers for and constraints on construction productivity enhancement

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 2018

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the complex interdependence of the factors in... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the complex interdependence of the factors in driving or hindering construction productivity at the industry, project and activity levels in a systemic manner. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods design, which combines a critical literature review, an interview-based survey with 32 industry experts and five focus group meetings participated in by 109 representatives of a wide range of industry stakeholder groups, was employed to identify the drivers for and constraints on construction productivity enhancement in Hong Kong and explore the interrelated insights into the drivers and constraints. Findings The study conceptualised and validated a systemic framework for examining construction industry productivity, and developed three causal loop diagrams (CLDs) for illustrating the dynamic structures that underpin the complex systems of the drivers and constraints. Research limitations/implications Although the scope of the stud...

The impact of construction organisations’ learning capabilities on collaborative projects

Dynamic capability theory asserts that the learning capabilities of construction organisations in... more Dynamic capability theory asserts that the learning capabilities of construction organisations influence the degree to which value-for-money (VfM) is achieved on collaborative projects. However, there has been little study conducted to verify this relationship. The evidence is particularly limited within the empirical context of infrastructure delivery in Australia. Primarily drawing on the theoretical perspectives of the resource-based view of the firm (e.g. Barney 1991), dynamic capabilities (e.g. Helfat et al. 2007), absorptive capacity (e.g. Lane et al. 2006) and knowledge management (e.g. Nonaka 1994), this paper conceptualises learning capability as a knowledge-based dynamic capability. Learning capability builds on the micro-foundations of high-order learning routines, which are deliberately developed by construction organisations for managing collaborative projects. Based on this conceptualisation of learning capability, an exploratory case study was conducted. The study inv...

format_quoteLearning outcomes from alliance projects significantly shape project management routines, influencing value-for-money (VfM) in collaborative contracting.format_quote

Knowledge Sharing Leveraging New Product Development Activities to Derive Enhanced Business Performance: Mixed Method Study

Knowledge has been widely recognised as a determinant of business performance. Business capabilit... more Knowledge has been widely recognised as a determinant of business performance. Business capabilities require an effective share of resource and knowledge. Specifically, knowledge sharing (KS) between different companies and departments can improve manufacturing processes since intangible knowledge plays an essential role in achieving competitive advantage. This paper presents a mixed method research study into the impact of KS on the effectiveness of new product development (NPD) in achieving desired business performance (BP). Firstly, an empirical study utilising moderated regression analysis was conducted to test whether and to what extent KS has leveraging power on the relationship between NPD and BP constructs and variables. Secondly, this empirically verified hypothesis was validated through explanatory case studies involving two Taiwanese manufacturing companies using a qualitative interaction term pattern matching technique. The study provides evidence that knowledge sharing ...

Identifying key enablers to improve business performance in Taiwanese electronic manufacturing companies

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 2010

Purpose-Integrated supplier management (ISM), new product development (NPD) and knowledge sharing... more Purpose-Integrated supplier management (ISM), new product development (NPD) and knowledge sharing (KS) practices are three primary business activities utilised to enhance manufacturers' business performance. The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the relationships between these three business activities (i.e. ISM, NPD, KS) and business performance (BP) in a Taiwanese electronics manufacturing context. Design/ methodology/ approach-A questionnaire survey was firstly administered to a sample of electronic manufacturing companies operating in Taiwan to elicit the opinions of technical and managerial professionals regarding business activities and business performance within their companies. A total of 170 respondents from 83 companies responded to the survey. Factor, correlation and path analysis was undertaken on this quantitative data set to derive the key factors which leverage business outcomes in these companies. Following empirical analysis, six semi-structured interviews were undertaken with manufacturing executives to provide qualitative insights into the underlying reasons why certain business activity factors were the strongest predictors of business performance. Findings-The investigation showed that the ISM, NPD and KS constructs all played an important role in the success of company operations and creating business outcomes. Specifically, the key factors within these constructs which derived business performance were: (1) supplier evaluation and selection; (2) design simplification and modular design; (3) IT infrastructure and systems; and (4) open communication. Accordingly, sufficient financial and human resources should be allocated to these important activities to derive accelerated rates of improved business performance. These findings were supported by the qualitative interviews with manufacturing executives. Originality/ value-The paper depicts the pathways to improved manufacturing business performance, through targeting efforts into the above mentioned factors within the ISM, NPD and KS constructs. Based on the empirical path model, and the specific insights derived from the explanatory interviews with manufacturing executives, the paper also provides a number of practical implications for manufacturing companies seeking to enhance their business performance through improved operational activities.

System dynamics model of the knowledge management process

To effectively manage the challenges being faced by construction organisations in a fast changing... more To effectively manage the challenges being faced by construction organisations in a fast changing business environment, many organisations are attempting to integrate knowledge management (KM) into their business operations. KM activities interact with each other and form a process which receives input from its internal business environment and produces outputs that should be justified by its business performance. This paper aims to provide further understanding on the dynamic nature of the KM process. Through a combination of path analysis and system dynamic simulation, this study found that: 1) an improved business performance enables active KM activities and provide feedback and guidance for formulating learning-based policies; and 2) effective human resource recruitment policies can enlarge the pool of individual knowledge, which lead to a more conducive internal business environment, as well as a higher KM activity level. Consequently, the desired business performance level can be reached within a shorter time frame.

Governance mechanisms and learning processes in collaborative projects: Report on preliminary survey results

Exploring governance issues on collaborative contracts in the construction industry

Joanne (2012) Exploring governance issues on collaborative contracts in the construction industry.

The moderating effect of knowledge sharing on the relationship between manufacturing activities and business performance

Knowledge Management Research & Practice, 2010

His research is focused on supply chain management, product development, manufacturing operations... more His research is focused on supply chain management, product development, manufacturing operations/management, quality management, knowledge management, and IT application. He is particularly interested in the moderating effect of knowledge management and sharing activities on a range of business functions. Prior to his research career, Dr. Huang worked as a quality assurance officer in the Taiwan electronic hardware manufacturing sector.

Contribution of knowledge management activities to organisational business performance

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 2008

PurposeWithin the construction industry there is a growing awareness of the need for linking know... more PurposeWithin the construction industry there is a growing awareness of the need for linking knowledge management (KM) to business strategy, organisational objectives and existing performance measures. This study was undertaken within the context of construction organisations, and attempts to provide the empirical evidence about the relationships between KM activities and organisational business performance.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of construction contractors operating in Hong Kong to investigate the opinions of construction professionals regarding the intensity of KM activities and business performance within their organisations. In parallel to the survey, semi‐structured interviews were undertaken to provide qualitative insights that helped to clarify and deepen understanding of the KM process within the context of the research target.FindingsThe investigation shows that knowledge utilisation is the strongest contributor to gen...

format_quoteKM constructs show positive correlations with business performance at the 0.01 level, with Pearson coefficients ranging from 0.358 to 0.494.format_quote

Validation of an Instrument to Measure Governance and Performance on Collaborative Infrastructure Projects

Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2014

Notice: Changes introduced as a result of publishing processes such as copy-editing and formattin... more

Leveraging power of learning capability upon manufacturing operations

International Journal of Production Economics, 2013

Learning capability (LC) is a special dynamic capability that a firm purposefully builds to devel... more Learning capability (LC) is a special dynamic capability that a firm purposefully builds to develop a cognitive focus, so as to enable the configuration and improvement of other capabilities (both dynamic and operational) to create and respond to market changes. Empirical evidence regarding the essential role of LC in leveraging operational manufacturing capabilities is, however, limited in the literature. This study takes a routine-based approach to understand capability, and focuses on demonstrating leveraging power of LC upon two essential operational capabilities within the manufacturing context, i.e., operational new product development capability (ONPDC), and operational supplier integration capability (OSIC). A mixed-methods research framework was used, which combines sources of evidence derived from a survey study and a multiple case study. This study identified high-level routines of LC that can be designed and controlled by managers and practitioners, to reconfigure underlying routines of ONPDC and OSIC to achieve superior performance in a turbulent environment. Hence, the study advances the notion of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities, such as LC, as routine bundles. It also provides an impetus for managing manufacturing operations from a capability-based perspective in the fast changing knowledge era.

Knowledge sharing for strengthening manufacturing operation and business performance

Manufacturing companies have strived to enhance managerial and technical capabilities to improve ... more Manufacturing companies have strived to enhance managerial and technical capabilities to improve business performance. Building these capabilities requires effective share of knowledge - the strategic resource. Specifically, knowledge sharing (KS) between different manufacturing departments can improve manufacturing processes since leveraging organisational knowledge plays an enssential role in achieving competitive advantage. This paper presents an empirical investigation into the impact of

Revealing performance heterogeneity through knowledge management maturity evaluation: A capability-based approach

Expert Systems with Applications, 2012

Notice: Changes introduced as a result of publishing processes such as copy-editing and formattin... more

Developing a framework for work integrated research higher degree studies in an Australian engineering context

European Journal of Engineering Education, 2009

Attributed to the changing social, political and economic landscape of the 'knowledge economy', A... more Attributed to the changing social, political and economic landscape of the 'knowledge economy', Australian universities are under pressure to produce researchers that have a variety of skills that meet the demands of an increasingly diverse job market. As a consequence, the umbrella of Australian Research Higher Degree (RHD) offerings has broadened from the traditional MPhil/PhD programmes to include a range of professional masters and doctoral degrees. This paper reports on the experiences of three PhD students, engaged in an informally managed industry partnered research programme, described in this paper as the Work Integrated Research Higher Degree (WIRHD). Their learning process shares the attributes from both the traditional PhD programme and professional doctorates. However, because of the blended nature of the learning contexts, candidates engaged in the WIRHD programme must address a wider range of issues than those following the traditional RHD pathway. An exploratory case study approach exploring experiences, benefits, barriers and coping strategies was conducted with the view to develop an integrative framework that attempts to explain the various contexts that influence the learning experience of WIRHD candidates. The exploratory study led to the development a structured approach to guide the WIRHD process, which aims to mitigate the various challenges of this style of partnered research arrangement whilst leveraging its benefits.

Impacts of Foreign Direct Investment on China's Construction Industry

Sherif (2003) Impacts of foreign direct investment on China's construction industry.

Empirical Approach to Understand the Knowledge Management Process

Knowledge Management (KM) is a process that focuses on knowledge-related activities to facilitate... more Knowledge Management (KM) is a process that focuses on knowledge-related activities to facilitate knowledge creation, capture, transformation and use, with the ultimate aim of leveraging organisations' intellectual capital to achieve organisational objectives. The KM process receives input from its context (e.g. internal business environment), and produces output (i.e. knowledge). It is argued that the validity of such knowledge should be justified by business performance. The study, this paper reports on, provides enhanced empirical understanding of such an input-process-output relationship through investigating the interactions among different KM activities in the context of how construction organisations in Hong Kong manage knowledge. To this end, a theoretical framework along with a number of hypotheses are proposed and empirically tested through correlation, regression and path analyses. A questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of construction contractors operating in Hong Kong to facilitate testing the proposed relationships. More than 140 respondents from 99 organisations responded to the survey. The study findings demonstrate that both organisational and technical environments have the potential to predict the intensity of KM activities. Furthermore, different categories of KM activities interact with each other, and collectively they could be used to predict business performance.

A self-assessment tool for knowledge management implementation in the construction industry

Knowledge management (KM) provides a structured process to establish the link between knowledge-b... more Knowledge management (KM) provides a structured process to establish the link between knowledge-based assets within an organisation and its desired business objectives. Although KM issues are becoming increasingly important to the construction industry, there is currently no measurement tool for assessing the implementation of KM programmes. This paper reports on the development of such a tool which can be used as both a means of self-assessment and also for benchmarking purposes. Important practices needed for successful KM implementation were identified from the literature and via a self-administered survey targeting large and medium construction organisations in Hong Kong. Survey findings demonstrate the potential of the proposed self-assessment tool to measure the individual's perception of the relative importance of KM antecedents and practices, also providing early insight of KM implementation by highlighting the negative gaps between what "is" and "should be" happening, thus identifying areas that need realignment of KM strategies and tactics. The paper also suggests this tool could be further developed to help organisations to formulate and modify their KM programmes according to their own specific internal business environment, and the nature of their projects.

Modelling the Contribution of Knowledge Management towards Achieving Orgnisational Business Objectives

Changes introduced as a result of publishing processes such as copy-editing and formatting may no... more

Empirical analysis of knowledge management activities in construction organisations

Knowledge is a commodity. It is a by-product of learning that involves the creation, sharing, pro... more Knowledge is a commodity. It is a by-product of learning that involves the creation, sharing, processing and possible use of information in the mind of an individual. Knowledge management (KM) is, therefore, concerned with the effective implementation of such activities within the organisation. It is simply the process of leveraging organisational knowledge to deliver a long-term competitive advantage. This paper presents the results of an empirical research investigation into the interaction between different KM activities within the context of construction contracting organisations. The different KM activities include: responsiveness to the knowledge of business environment, knowledge acquisition, knowledge dissemination, and knowledge application. A questionnaire survey was administered to investigate the opinions of construction professionals regarding the intensity of activities currently implemented by their organisations to facilitate knowledge capturing, sharing and application. A total of 149 responses were then used to statistically examine the interrelationships between the different KM activities as practised by contracting organisations in Hong Kong. The paper presents and discusses the survey findings and proposes recommendations for improving the effectiveness of current KM practices.

China's foreign economic cooperation development: exporting Chinese construction services

Paper: Since the movement for economic reform started in China 20 years ago, the nation's GDP had... more Paper: Since the movement for economic reform started in China 20 years ago, the nation's GDP had grown on average from seven to nine per cent a year, making China's construction industry one of the largest in the world. This paper presents an overview of China's foreign economic cooperation development (FECD) in the context of exporting three major construction services namely; contracting, labour and design. The paper outlines the export market profile of Chinese contractors and discusses their current position in the international market. It then addresses challenges; they are facing in view of meeting the ambitious strategic targets set out by the Government for the FECD, which cover the export of construction services. Finally, the paper sheds some light on key exporting strategies currently adopted by Chinese contractors.