The construction sector in Iraq has faced many challenges. One of the major challenges is the lack of productivity of laborers who are working construction sites. Although research studies have been conducted to investigate, explore, and identify factors influencing labor productivity in the Middle-east region, the lack of such research studies to address these challenges in Iraq. This motivates the researcher to explore and identify the key factors affecting labor productivity in construction sites across different organizational structures (Matrix, Projectized, and functional). A survey questionnaire has been conducted using Delphi technique in order to achieve a concrete and reliable view of the major factors influencing labor productivity in Iraq. Twenty-four experts from different construction sectors have participated in Delphi rounds. In addition, a total of 110 factors affecting labor productivity is considered in this study. The main findings of this study show a correlation between some of the identified factors and characteristics of the organizational structures. The poor communication and management of the construction site, lack of communication and coordination between construction parties, size and arrangement of the construction crew, on-time payment, and motivational program factors were found to be highly correlated with the characteristics of the selected organizational structures. Also, the study shows that explosive remnants and dangerous construction sites due to terrorist attacks are very influential factors on labor productivity.
Erosion and deposition are natural phenomena in many estuaries that can cause morphological changes, leading to navigation and offshore structure problems. Many previous studies have focused on investigating the morphological changes of estuaries depending on different parameters and their combined effects with erosion and deposition processes, such as maximum flow amplitude, waves, currents, tidal flow, storms, rising sea elevation, maximum turbidity, salinity, and bed roughness height as input parameters. These studies are based on field measurements and numerical simulations by using topographic surveys, soil samples, satellite images, geological data, and bathymetric maps with the aid of ArcGIS. Some of these studies examine the
... Show MoreOne of the most important problems of Iraqi construction projects is the cost variances, so it is important to identify the problems and shortcomings that cause poor cost control. Through the utilization of questionnaires, the study evaluated how project costs were managed and reported. The questionnaire was distributed to 180 professionals working in the Iraqi construction sector, with a response rate of 91%. The results showed that a high percentage of projects are implemented with a difference between real and estimated costs, and the process of documenting cost data needs to be more secure. On the other hand, there is a weakness in providing the necessary work structure information to monitor costs and a lack of proc
... Show MoreDiverting river flow during construction of a main dam involves the construction of cofferdams, and tunnels, channels or other temporary passages. Diversion channels are commonly used in wide valleys where the high flow makes tunnels or culverts uneconomic. The diversion works must form part of the overall project design since it will have a major impact on its cost, as well as on the design, construction program and overall cost of the permanent works. Construction costs contain of excavation, lining of the channel, and construction of upstream and downstream cofferdams. The optimization model was applied to obtain optimalchannel cross section, height of upstream cofferdam, and height of downstream cofferdamwith minimum construction cost
... Show MoreDiacerein (DCN) is a semi-synthetic anthraquinone derivative of Rhein that is indicated for the management of osteoarthritis. Diacerein exhibits poor dissolution in the GIT fluids and suffers from low bioavailability upon oral administration in addition to the laxative effect of Rhein metabolites. The aim of the present study was to develop novasomal vesicles with optimized entrapment efficiency and size to serve as a carrier for transdermal delivery of diacerein. Novasomal vesicles were prepared by thin film hydration method thin film hydration. The prepared vesicles were optimized utilizing different surfactant to cholesterol molar ration, sonication type, different sonication times and varying fatty acid level. The prepared vesicles were
... Show MoreThe current paper aims to identify potential factors associated with employees’ intentions to leave information and communication technology companies in Iraq. There is evident variability in the literature regarding these factors; hence, a factor analysis approach was employed to identify these factors within the surveyed environment. Due to the difficulty in precisely delineating the size of the research population, a purposive sampling method was employed to reach an appropriate number of respondents within the aforementioned companies. A total of 288 employees responded to the survey conducted via Google Forms. The test results revealed the presence of five primary factors associated with employees’ intentions to leave, name
... Show MoreThe current research aims to find out the effect of strategic sensitivity in enhancing organizational immunity at the leadership levels in the Iraqi Ministry of Education, as the strategic sensitivity variable includes two dimensions (strategic foresight and strategic Insight), and the organizational immunity variable addresses three dimensions (organizational learning, organizational memory and organizational DNA). The main purpose of this research was related to the extent to which the Ministry’s immunity was achieved through the role played by strategic sensitivity. A sample of (349) individuals was selected . The questionnaire was relied upon to collect data, and the number of questionnaires suitable for analysis was (330). Re
... Show MoreThe current study aims to demonstrate the role of strategic renewal in enhancing organizational immunity through strategic renewal mechanisms represented by (Reanimating, Rejuvenation, Venturing, and restructuring). The main idea of this study relates to the extent to which organizations’ immunity is achieved through strategic Renewal mechanisms, by measuring these dimensions with Organizational immunity represented by organizational learning, organizational memory, and organizational DNA. The study population was the headquarters of the Iraqi Ministry of Education, and the sample included (330) individuals from the upper, middle, and lower leadership levels. Several statistical methods were used to deal with the results of the questionna
... Show MoreThe education sector suffers from many problems, including the scarcity of schools that can absorb the increasing number of students in light of the increasing population growth rate, as some regions suffer from a lack of opening of new schools or the expansion of existing schools to increase their capacity so that attention is required. The research sought to identify the level of maturity of project management at the research site (Building Department in Al-Karkh I/ Ministry of Education) Being responsible for educational projects and their implementation and to know that, the ten areas of the knowledge guide to project management PMBOK have been adopted according to the PM3 model (one of the models of maturity
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