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Publication EFFECTS OF HYBRID WORKING ON QUANTITY SURVEYORS IN SINGAPORE(2022) GUO YUNTING; THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT; JONATHAN LIAN KHIN MINGThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to major changes to the way employees in companies work. Hybrid Working (HW), being the new work normal, is transforming the original five day office work week to certain days of Work from Home (WFH). This study explores the effects of Hybrid Working on Quantity Surveyors (QS) in the context of Singapore as little research were conducted in this field. The objectives of the dissertation include 1) Find out whether QS age and gender affects their attitudes towards HW, 2) Investigate whether different genders and work environment, caregivers and non-caregivers affect QS productivity and conduciveness and 3) Document effects of HW on governmental and private agencies’ QS conduciveness and productivity. The non-probability snowball sampling was used for data collection. Microsoft Excel and JASP were tools utilised for frequency table and t-test analysis. The key findings entail, firstly, most QS surveyed preferred HW as it reaps the WFH benefits such as reduced transportation duration, reduced costs, and flexibility. Secondly, paramount challenges of HW include prolong work hours, socialising issues, communication as well as work environment issues. Statistically significant differences were obtained for perceived conduciveness and productivity in the following categories: Gender and/or Work Environment, Caregiver and/or Non-caregivers, Private and/or Public sector. The results provide deep insights on QS employees' attitudes and preferences towards HW. This is useful in transforming the QS sector, to better keep and attract talents within the industry.Publication INTEGRATED FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES LEADING TO COST EFFECTIVENESS IN FACILITY MANAGEMENT(2024) NUR ATIKAH UMAIRAH BINTE MD ROSLAN; THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT; TEO HO PINFacility Management (FM) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient operation and maintenance of built environments, encompassing a wide range of functions aimed at supporting the core activities of organizations. In the context of Singapore's dynamic and rapidly evolving urban landscape, the effective management of facilities is imperative to meet the growing demands of various industries and sectors. One approach that has garnered increasing attention in recent years is Integrated Facility Management (IFM), which emphasizes the holistic and integrated management of multiple facility services to optimize performance and achieve cost savings. The integration of IFM practices has emerged as a strategic imperative for FM practitioners and organizations seeking to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. By consolidating various facility management functions under a unified framework, IFM aims to streamline operations, leverage synergies, and maximize the utilization of resources. However, while the potential benefits of IFM are widely recognized, there remains a need for empirical research to elucidate the extent to which IFM practices contribute to cost effectiveness within the Singaporean context. This dissertation seeks to address this gap in the literature by examining the relationship between IFM practices and cost effectiveness in FM operations in Singapore. Through a systematic analysis of IFM strategies and their impact on cost savings and operational efficiency, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the efficacy of IFM in driving cost effective facility management practices. By investigating the adoption and implementation of IFM practices across various industries and sectors, this research endeavors to identify best practices and key determinants of success in achieving cost effectiveness in FM.Publication VENTILATION RATE IN SINGAPORE’S MARKETS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE SPREAD OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES(2023) TAN MEI NA; THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT; CHEW LUP WAIAs Singapore has a tropical climate with relatively high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, the environment of the markets and hawker centres is ideal for the spread of respiratory diseases. In 2021, Singapore recorded high transmission of COVID-19 cases in its markets and hawker centres. This research aims to determine the relationship between the ventilation rate of the six markets and hawker centres in Singapore and the spread of respiratory diseases. This study uses observational skills and objective measurements to obtain data. The results are compared to a list of ventilation components discussed in the literature reviews to determine whether the ventilation performance of the individual market is up to standard. The results obtained from the observational research indicate that North Bridge Road Market & Food Centre is the only market that failed to meet expectations. On the other hand, the objective research indicates that the wind speeds measured in two of the COVID-19 clusters are relatively low. The p-value of 0.405, 0.317 and 0.396, for wind speed, temperature and relative humidity from the t-test suggests that the ventilation rate does not have an impact on the spread of respiratory diseases. This is supported by the chi-square test which shows that all the ventilation components have a p-value higher than 0.05. Therefore, both tests reached the same conclusion that the ventilation rates in Singapore’s markets do not have an impact on the spread of respiratory diseases.Publication COMPARING IMPACTS OF AMENITIES ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING PRICES WITHIN MATURE AND YOUNG ESTATES(2011-04-19) TAN YI HUA; REAL ESTATE; SEAH KIAT YINGHousing amenities are essential in supporting community living within estates. It is observed that HDB flats and private properties coexist in most estates. Differences in residents’ profile might result in a disparity in their willingness to pay for proximity to amenities. Furthermore, it is uncertain if amenities’ effects on property values vary across mature and young estates that differ in terms of development. A hedonic pricing model was implemented and it was discovered that proximity to primary schools, parks and petrol stations have a greater impact on prices of private properties, whereas shopping centres and MRT stations have a lower impact on prices. This relates to higher demand for quality living as household income increases where private homeowners place greater emphasis on environmental goods and prefer to be located away from amenities that generate higher noise and traffic. Higher incomes groups also tend to possess their own transport and are less concerned with the convenience to shops and public transport systems. In this aspect, externalities generated from amenities on prices of residential properties tend to have a reduced effect beyond a certain distance.Publication THE FUTURE OF GREEN MARK SCHEME WITHIN SINGAPORE(2011-05-20) LIM CHOON TAT; BUILDING; CHEONG KOK WAI DAVIDIn order to match up with the challenges of global warming and scarce natural resources, the practice of sustainable construction is necessary. Since the construction sector plays an important role in Singapore’s economy and social development, efforts must be put in to achieve a sustainable built environment in the form of utilizing green building schemes such as the Green Mark Scheme (GMS). Active promotion is carried out by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore to encourage adoption of the GMS and meet the growing demand for green technologies and green construction in Singapore. As such, this study aims to establish the current level of success of the GMS and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), followed by the revision of the GMS to determine if any suitable guidelines from the LEED can be implemented into it to further improve it as an attractive and better green rating system. Literature reviews were conducted extensively to determine the level of success for the GMS and LEED and to provide a basic understanding of where the two green rating systems stand in the current construction industry. Interviews were conducted with two construction industry professionals to gain their valuable insight on the LEED guidelines to be implemented. A survey was conducted in complementary to the interviews to gather opinions from the other construction industry professionals on the implementation of the LEED guidelines into the GMS. Due to time constraints and word limit imposed, the general conclusions being drawn were limited in terms of accuracy and applicability to the rest of the construction industry. Hence, there may be insufficient information gathered for this study. It was proposed that a more in-depth and larger study be conducted for future works in order to have a broader perspective on the industry’s opinions on the LEED implementation.Publication A SHIFT IN CURRENT EMPLOYMENT CULTURE IN SINGAPORE'S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY(2015-01-08) CHIEW JIA QIAN; BUILDING; GEORGE OFORIOne of the significant industries in Singapore is the construction sector. The practice of subcontracting is widely adopted in the current employment culture. However, this method presents several difficulties to both main contractor and subcontractor. Thus, this study aims to identify the challenges faced by main contractor and subcontractor due to subcontracting; explore unique employment cultures in other countries such as Japan and South Korea; and recommend solutions to improve the present situation. The study is based on literature review and the findings from the results of a field study comprising interviews and a survey using questionnaires. The literature review gives an overview of the current subcontracting practices in Singapore’s construction industry. Japan’s and South Korea’s unique employment culture were also studied. For instance, in both countries, there is long-term collaboration between involved parties and the development of the subcontractor. Therefore, the study of both countries could present valuable lessons for the construction industry in Singapore. Two sets of survey questionnaires were completed by 32 main contractors and 23 subcontractors. The survey sought to ascertain the issues facing both main contractors and subcontractors with subcontracting and also gather their views and recommendations on the issue. Interviews were conducted with 4 professionals from 4 contracting firms in the local construction industry in order to obtain deeper perceptives and analysis. The findings revealed the actual challenges faced by the main contractors and subcontractors and presented some of the recommendations proposed by them. Thereafter, recommendations were made, based on the findings drawn from the components of the study: the literature review; and analysis of survey questionnaires and interviews. The adoption of long term relationship between main contractors and subcontractors, development of the capability of subcontractors, negotiable terms in subcontracting contract and prohibition of total subcontracting would help to achieve improvement in the current subcontracting practices. The recommendations are beneficial to the main contractor, subcontractor and the industry as it will eventually lead to an enhancement in the quality of work in the construction project. Lastly, future research can be done with regards to the feasibility of the recommendations proposed.Publication RISK-RETURN CONVERGENCE AND LINKAGES IN INTERNATIONAL SECURITIZED REAL ESTATE MARKETS(2010-01-04T07:58:10Z) CHUA YAO QUAN, SAMUEL; REAL ESTATE; LIOW KIM HIANGWith deepening market linkages, the correlation structure and risk-return characteristics of the international securitized real estate markets may have evolved over time. Numerous studies have addressed the issue of the changing international correlation structure but not that of the risk-return characteristics. It is noted that increasing correlation structure does not necessarily imply any specific changes in risk-return characteristics. The main objective of this study is to examine the historical evolution of risk-return characteristics of the sample 14 developed real estate securities markets. The study also attempts to investigate the factors that affect risk-return convergence, and to understand the impact of global market conditions upon convergence. Lastly, the relationship between correlation and convergence is studied. The risk-return distance among the securitized real estate markets is first computed using the Euclidean distance measure. The results indicate the cross-market risk-return distance of the sample 14 developed real estate securities markets have converged significantly for the sample period 1993 to 2007, implying a risk-return convergence. The convergence is propelled by both risk and return convergence. In particular, the average risk-return distance has decreased by approximately 35% for the duration of the sample period. The speed of convergence, however, varies differently across the individual markets, which is attributed mainly to the initial distance of each individual market from the international average risk-return characteristic. Furthermore, the documented risk-return convergence remains robust even with the inclusion of varying global market conditions. It is also found that increasing correlation across the markets does not necessarily imply any specific change in their risk-return characteristics.Publication EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION MAP (CITM) IN ASSISTING SINGAPORE �S CONSTRUCTION SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) TO INTERNATIONALISE(2018-12-04) NG KANG JUN; BUILDING; LOW SUI PHENGSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the construction sector bodes pessimism in recent years due to declining private and public projects. Under the Industry Transformation Programme in 2017, Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs) were developed for 23 industries to tackle industry-specific issues. As part of the nation’s economic restructuring strategy, these ITMs are specially tailored to each sector’s needs so as to help companies and workers achieve success. Most importantly, the ITMs help firms seize global opportunities by assisting them in their capability upgrading efforts. The push for technological practices such as prefabrication and digital technology in the construction industry seeks to transform and upgrade the industry. And ultimately, the ITMs aim to upgrade the entire construction industry and help firms thrive locally and compete globally. However, according to industry experts, the ITMs are irrelevant and disconnected from the needs of SMEs. This study serves to solicit the opinions of construction SMEs on the effectiveness of the Construction ITM (CITM) in assisting firms in internationalisation. A framework is used to access the critical success factors for internationalisation according to construction SMEs. Thereafter, recommendations are provided to understand what construction SMEs require and favour. With the use of research methods such as surveys and interviews, feedback is collected and studied to reflect the perception of construction SMEs towards the CITM. Respondents disagreed with the notion that CITM will benefit the SMEs of the construction industry, which glaringly differs from what the Government envisioned the ITMs to be. Based on the respondents’ perception collected, it was revealed that three out of the five strategies in the CITM are deemed to be effective in helping SMEs to internationalise. However, issues such as the lack of financing power and limited manpower which SMEs face, prevent them from fully leveraging the strategies offered. The respondents identified several critical success factors for internationalisation many of which are related to firm-specific advantages.Publication ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A SIMULATION GAME FOR IMPROVING INCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEACHING AND LEARNING(2019-06-12) SEAH, YI LING EVELINE; BUILDING; GOH YANG MIANGThe construction industry poses significant Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) risk to workers. Contribution to workplace fatalities is higher by the construction industry than other industries. Investigating the occurrences of such events promote learning and equip individuals with the necessary safety competencies to prevent similar events from recurring. Despite the importance of WSH, there are barriers to provide tertiary students in WSH education the practical skills and experience in incident investigations. Studies have shown students lack opportunities to visit sites due to the hazardous nature of construction sites and the lack of spatiotemporal resources to accommodate a large cohort of students on-site. Educators often experience the challenge of limited time and resources at their disposal to arrange site visits with industry practitioners for students. It is also not practical to re-enact unsafe behaviours in reality for students to learn at their convenience. A prototype 2D simulation game, SafeSim Investigation has been developed to simulate an authentic environment for students in learning about the incident investigation as an alternative solution to the challenges posited. The game operationalises the principles of authentic learning as a non-traditional pedagogical approach to provide students with an authentic experience on how incident investigations are carried out. Students work in groups to collect evidence, conduct analysis and provide recommendations as part of the incident investigation process. This study adopts an experimental approach to understand the effectiveness of SafeSim in WSH education on the topic of incident investigation. This study will introduce SafeSim as a simulation-based learning approach and examine its effect on students’ achievement of learning outcomes. SafeSim will also be further evaluated on its operationalisation of the principles of authentic learning and recommendations will be provided for future improvement to the game.Publication IMPACTS OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL ON REIT IPO INITIAL RETURNS: EVIDENCE FROM SINGAPORE REITS(2015-06-03) GAN GUANG; REAL ESTATE; CHIN KEIN HOONG LAWRENCEThis paper examines the IPO pricing mechanism of the 35 REITs in Singapore. With Singapore being the second largest REIT market, the paper aims to study the pricing mechanism of unique caveats that is embedded in certain REIT’s IPO prospectus, “Right of First Refusal (ROFR)” Rights of First Refusal is not a recent development. Yet it is an area that has not been extensively studied even by the western REIT markets. The aim behind this paper was to identify several key features of ROFRs: Does ROFRs artificially inflate a sponsor’s ownership to the REIT apart from the ownership of shares given the additional commitment required, Does ROFRs provide an opportunity for investors to gaze into the future acquisition pipeline and lower speculative first day trading, and The proper definition for a REIT to be classified a ROFR REIT. Since ROFRs are additional commitment by a sponsor, it should be ideally be priced into IPO as consideration for sponsor’s continual commitment to the REIT. However, given the captive situation of S-REITs, this observation may not have been significant, but if applied into an internal management REIT market, perhaps the results obtained may have been more significant. Even so, the research will help to draw insights on S-REIT market. With underpricing being the dependent variable, a suitable proxy must be utilised to account for potential speculative trading. With initial returns of REITs soaring to as high as 50% on first day trading, it is crucial to identify if the ROFR caveat can help ease this form of speculative effects and achieve a “normal” first day trading. The uncharted waters of ROFRs also gave rise to the need to identify what is a ROFR REIT and whether ROFRs must be categorical, quantitative or qualitative in nature for a REIT to enjoy the benefits of listing as a ROFR REIT. Hence, the study also helps to draw analysis and insights on this issue.