Journal of Surveying, Construction and Property

COMPREHENDING DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: A REVIEW OF BUILD BACK BETTER AND BUILD BETTER BEFORE

Ali Ahmed Shah, Suzaini Mohamed Zaid, Peter Aning Anak Tedong — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The rising frequency and intensity of climate emergencies, coupled with their amplified disaster impacts, result in substantial human and economic costs. There is a deficiency in effective strategies for disaster risk management to address this destructive phenomenon. The effectiveness of Build Back Better (BBB) remains uncertain, exhibiting limitations in its implementation, especially in developing and least developed countries characterized by unique socioeconomic and societal vulnerabilities. Research on the concept of Build Better Before (BBBf) is limited, and its potential to address deficiencies in disaster risk management in underdeveloped contexts is scarce. Therefore, there is an urgency to investigate the effectiveness and applicability of these approaches and highlight the optimal option for specific contexts. The study conducted a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines to achieve this objective. Fourty papers were analysed regarding BBB and BBBf in recent literature (2017-2024). The literature suggests that the BBBf approach presents a viable alternative with various comparative advantages, including economic efficiency, support for bottom-up approaches, and increased involvement of local governments. The emphasis on community resilience and costeffectiveness in the BBBf initiative enhances its viability for community adoption, promoting long-term sustainability, especially in contexts characterized by financial challenges, societal vulnerabilities, and governance complexities.

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL SPACES IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: URBAN FARMING INTO A SELF-SUFFICIENT COMMUNITY

Chua Siu Ting, Hazreena Hussein — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The announcement of Malaysia's first coronavirus (COVID-19) case in January 2020 triggered a nationwide lockdown on March 18, significantly affecting food supply chains and exposing the weaknesses of non-self-sufficient economies. This study critically explores residents' perceptions of social spaces in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan during the pandemic through a mixed-method approach. It combines photographic documentation and a questionnaire survey to assess the impact on residents’ quality of life. Insights from a semi-structured interview with representatives of PLAN Malaysia in Negeri Sembilan, revealed that the design of social spaces is intended to enhance cost efficiency while alleviating the burden on local authorities. Results indicated that majority of the respondents experienced significant stress during the pandemic, driven by anxiety, job loss, and livelihood challenges while many emphasized the importance of effective space allocation and varied options within residential neighborhoods. These findings imply that strategically designed social spaces and zoning practices are key to developing self-sufficient communities in residential areas. Future research agenda should prioritize on the long-term implications of diverse social space designs for community well-being and self-sufficiency in the post-pandemic landscape.

DIVERGING PERSPECTIVES ON ENERGY PERFORMANCE GAPS IN GREEN BUILDINGS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Nur ‘Atiqah Shaardan, Nik Elyna Myeda, Suzaini Mohamed Zaid — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Green buildings continue to underperform in actual energy use compared to predicted values, revealing persistent energy performance gaps. This study explores the differing perspectives of industry experts on the root causes of and its strategies in this issue. A structured survey was administered to 278 respondents and analyzed using Relative Importance Index (RII) and Kendall’s W to measure agreement across three expert subgroups: those uninvolved in green buildings, involved but uncertified, and certified facilitators. Results reveal consistent rankings for major factors such as occupant awareness and leadership commitment but also highlight nuanced differences in how subgroups perceive organisational versus technical contributions. This study informs tailored energy management interventions and highlights the value of expert diversity in shaping sustainable building strategies.

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING AND RISK IN INDUSTRIALISED BUILDING SYSTEM PROJECTS: A SCIENTOMETRIC REVIEW

Noorul Amilin Saipudin, Nurfadzillah Ishak — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The scholarly exploration of Building Information Modelling (BIM), risk management, and Industrialised Building System (IBS) research has expanded rapidly, reflecting the construction industry’s increasing reliance on digital and prefabricated technologies. Despite this growth, there remains a fragmented understanding of how research in these areas has developed over time, including dominant themes, influential contributors, and methodological trends. This study addresses this gap through a scientometric review of 1,153 publications retrieved from the Scopus database between 2010 and 2025. Using VOSviewer and Scopus analytical tools, publication trends, document types, co-authorship networks, and keyword co-occurrence were systematically examined to provide a structured overview of the field. The analysis reveals a steady increase in scholarly output, particularly after 2015, indicating rising global interest in technology-driven risk management and prefabricated construction methods. Journal articles constitute the majority of the literature, followed by conference papers and reviews, reflecting the evolution of research dissemination. Geographical and citation analyses show that countries such as China, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom dominate the field, while highly cited authors provide conceptual and methodological foundations for emerging studies. Keyword analysis highlights recurring themes of safety, process optimization, digital innovation, and project management. Despite the rapid expansion of literature, persistent gaps remain, including limited empirical validation, uneven adoption across industry contexts, and the lack of standardized methodologies. By mapping these patterns and gaps, this scientometric review offers a critical lens on the evolution of BIM, Risk, and IBS research, providing scholars and practitioners with actionable insights on knowledge trends, collaborative networks, and potential directions for future investigation. Overall, this work supports informed decision-making and fosters the development of rigorous, context-sensitive research agendas in construction studies.

NAVIGATING INSTABILITY: ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES OF MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN TIMES OF CRISIS

Nurshuhada Zainon, Nur Mardhiyah Aziz, Loo Siaw Chuing — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The construction industry is highly vulnerable to macroeconomic fluctuations, with its performance closely linked to national indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This study aims to identify effective survival strategies that enable construction firms in Malaysia to withstand periods of economic downturn. Specifically, the research investigates the key factors contributing to economic crises, examines their impacts on construction firms and formulates practical strategies to support contractors during recessionary conditions. A quantitative research design was adopted, utilising an online questionnaire distributed to 450 construction firms’ grades G1-G7, registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia. The response rate yielded approximately 30.4%. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including mean and the Relative Importance Index (RII) to establish the prioritisation of contributing factors, impacts and survival strategies. The analysis identified nine critical strategies that offered a structured and actionable framework for firms seeking to enhance resilience during economic disruptions. Among the strategies are strengthening client relationships, enhancing financial management, improving operational efficiency, and diversifying markets to support business continuity. The findings provide valuable insights for industry practitioners and policymakers by highlighting the major economic pressures faced by construction firms and presenting strategic measures to mitigate the adverse effects of future economic crises.

BLOCKCHAIN IMPLEMENTATION IN CONSTRUCTION: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE BENEFITS IN NIGERIA

Akinrata Ebunoluwa Bimbola, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Adegbembo Taiwo Fadeke — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Blockchain Technology (BcT) has emerged as a transformative force across various industries, including the construction sector. Stakeholders within the construction industry increasingly recognize its potential benefits in construction processes. This paper examines the benefits of BcT in Nigeria. The study utilized a survey design, in gathering information from questionnaires administered to construction professionals. Statistical tools such as Mean Item Scores (MIS) and Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) were used to analyze data from 222 respondents. A Cronbach’s α test was also used to verify the reliability of the instrument. The study found that the adoption and implementation of BcT in the construction industry are low and still in the initial stages. However, BcT should not be disregarded due to its promising outlook. The study also revealed that the top benefits of BcT for construction project performance in an emerging economy include achieving value for money, enhancing transparency in the construction process, intensifying collaboration among professionals, promoting homogeneity and effectiveness in project administration, accelerating infrastructure development, and improving the quality of services. BcT was treated as an autonomous technology in this paper. The paper highlights the need to study the current level of BcT implementation and its immense benefits in modern construction activities within an emerging market.

SPATIAL VISUALIZATION SKILS IN QUANTITY SURVEYING EDUCATION: STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF 3D LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Iniobong Beauty John, Oyinkansola Owolabi, Samuel Adekunle, Clinton Aigbavboa — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Traditional teaching methodologies reliant on 2D drawings and static diagrams have proven inadequate in conveying complex spatial relationships, hindering students' ability to bridge theoretical knowledge and practical application. To address these deficiencies, this research examines undergraduate students' perceptions of 3D learning tools, emphasizing their impact on enhancing spatial awareness, engagement, and practical proficiency. Data was gathered through a structured online survey targeting Quantity Surveying (QS) students in a Nigerian university, measuring their confidence in interpreting building plans, identifying spatial relationships, and utilizing software tools for measurement. Results indicate significant variation in spatial visualization abilities across academic levels, with senior students displaying higher confidence, attributed to accumulated experience. However, challenges persist in accurately identifying spatial relationships, underscoring a need for enhanced technological integration in teaching. The study reveals a strong preference among students for 3D modeling and virtual reality (VR) tools, highlighting their potential to transform QS education. Despite the promise of 3D learning environment, barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, limited faculty expertise, and insufficient access to technology impede effective implementation. This research advocates for a paradigm shift towards immersive, technology-driven pedagogies to better align QS education with industry demands, thereby fostering competent professionals capable of meeting modern construction challenges.