Mark Wilson

Defects in new homes have become an issue of a significant concern, which highlights the need for an urgent review of quality control processes within the UK construction industry. Improving the industry's performance requires a thorough understanding of construction defect trends, causes, and viable solutions. Despite a broad range of research in this area, a detailed review of building defects in the UK construction industry, using bibliometric methods, is lacking. By analysing the current literature quantitatively and qualitatively, this study aims to fill the gap. Using Bibliometric analysis, the study analysed scholarly publications, identified research trends, and highlighted significant authors, journals, and countries using mathematical, statistical, and graphical methods. The study highlights the main causes as low-quality materials used to minimise costs, skilled labour shortages and fast-tracked construction timeframes resulting in substandard work, all of which could be addressed through enhanced quality control, advanced technology, thorough inspections and quality audits, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable construction. The study established the need for further research into defect prevention frameworks, economic and environmental implications of building defects, and the need for application of emerging technologies (e.g., Building Information Modelling, Internet of Things) to defect mitigation. Comparative research across regions or countries may reveal best practices and creative ways to construction building defects management.

Purpose This study aimed to address a gap in subcontractor management by focusing on previously unexplored complexities surrounding subcontractor management in developing countries. While past studies concentrated on selection and relationships, this study delved into how effective subcontractor management impacts project success. Design/methodology/approach This study used the Bayesian Network analysis approach, through a meticulously developed questionnaire survey refined through a piloting stage involving experienced industry professionals. The survey was ultimately distributed among participants based in Accra, Ghana, resulting in a response rate of approximately 63%. Findings The research identified diverse components contributing to subcontractor disruptions, highlighted the necessity of a clear regulatory framework, emphasized the impact of financial and leadership assessments on performance, and underscored the crucial role of main contractors in Integrated Project and Labour Cost Management with Subcontractor Oversight and Coordination. Originality/value Previous studies have not considered the challenges subcontractors face in projects. This investigation bridges this gap from multiple perspectives, using Bayesian network analysis to enhance subcontractor management, thereby contributing to the successful completion of construction projects.