Project title

Optimizing the Performance of Estimators through an Integrated Proactive Stress Management Model (January 2005 – December 2006)
supported by CERG, Hong Kong Special Administration Region

Abstract:

Cost estimation not only requires precise technical and analytical input from estimators, but also involves the use of subjective judgement. The short tendering period together with the required degree of accuracy has placed a lot of stress on estimators. Clinical studies have shown that a reasonable level of stress can stimulate an individual’s output; however, excessive stress might seriously affect an individual’s performance. The purpose of this research is to optimize the profitability of construction companies and enhance the performance of estimators in Hong Kong (a challenging environment) through integrated stress management. The objectives are: (1) to establish individual Stress–Performance relationships for estimate participants; (2) to verify the individual Stress Management model for estimate participants by real cases; and (3) to develop an individual Stress Management model for optimizing the performance of estimate participants. It is envisaged that the findings made while carrying out these objectives will help in devising an individual proactive Stress Management model for estimate participants, and that this research will be continued in subsequent studies that seek to develop an organizational proactive Stress Management model.


Team members:

Papers:

Leung M.Y., Chan Y.S., Chong A., Shen J. (2007b) Developing integrated Stressor–Stress models for clients’ and contractors’ cost engineers. paper under review, (Construction Engineering and Management, ASCE).

Leung M.Y., Sham J., Chan Y.S. (2007a) Adjusting stressors – job-demand stress in preventing rustout /burnout on estimators. Surveying and the Built Environment, 18(1), 17-26.

Leung M.Y., Skitmore M. (2007) Subjective and objective stress in construction cost estimation. Construction Management and Economics, 25 (10), 1063-1075.

Leung M.Y. (2006) Stressors–Qualitative stress in preventing rustout/burnout on estimators in HK. Proceedings of the 10th Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors Congress, Singapore: Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers, 128-133.

Leung M.Y. Olomolaiye P., Chen D.Y. (2006) Cross-cultural study for the stress of estimators in HK and the United Kingdom. Proceedings of the International Conference on Construction Culture, Innovation, and Management, Dubai: The CIB Task Group on “Culture in Construction” (TG-23) International Conference; and The 4th International Conference on Innovation in Architecture Engineering and Construction.

Zhang H., Jin W., Leung M.Y. (2006) An investigation of stressors on construction cost estimators. Construction Technology Development, (in Chinese), in press.

Jin W., Zhang H., Leung M.Y. (2006) A study of organizational stress management on construction estimators. Construction Management Modernization, in Chinese, in press.

Leung M.Y., Chan Y.S., Skitmore M. (2006) Effects of organisational support for construction cost engineer stress. paper under review (Construction Engineering and Management).

Leung M.Y., Skitmore M. (2006) Subjective and objective stress management on construction cost estimation in Hong Kong. paper under review (Building Research and Information).