Dr Esra Kurul
PhD MA (Building Conservation) BArch PCTHE
Reader in Organisational Studies in the Built Environment
School of the Built Environment
Role
I am a Reader in Organisational Studies, and jointly lead the University's Sustainable & Resilient Futures Network, as well as the School's Smart Construction & Impact Assessment Group. Between 2018-2020, I was a Brookes Teaching Fellow, leading a teaching & learning project on fostering inter-disciplinary collaboration.
My qualifications are listed below:
- PhD in Environmental Studies, the Bartlett, UCL (2003), UK
- MA in Conservation Studies (Buildings) from the University of York (1997), UK
- BArch'93, METU, Turkey
- PgCert in Teaching in Higher Education, Oxford Brookes (2006), UK
Teaching and supervision
Courses
- Building Information Modelling and Management (MSc)
- Construction Project Management (MSc)
- Project Management in the Built Environment (MSc)
- Construction Project Management (BSc (Hons))
- Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management (MSc)
- Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management (BSc (Hons))
Modules taught
I lead and jointly run key modules both at undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate l(PG) evel:
- People, Leadership & Organisations (compulsory for 4 MSc programs)
- Enterprise Management in Construction and Development (double Honours Component)
- Project Appraisal and Commercial Management (double Honours Component)
I have a long-standing interest in virtual and blended learning as a result of the key role I played in the development of MSc PMBE, which we launched in 2007. Since then, I have been devising and refining novel ways of virtually fostering student engagement. For example, I adopt a problem-based learning (PBL) approach, which enables students to learn skills that are highly transferable to working life. It has proven to be more effective and more stimulating than traditional approaches.
MSc PMBE remains to be one of the pioneers of blended-learning in the University. It laid the foundations for the suite of MSc programmes in this area, which resulted in significant increase in PG student numbers in our School. It also enabled our team to seamlessly switch to blended-delivery of our UG programmes during the recent lockdowns.
My teaching interests include people in project organisations, organisational and human behaviour, development process, sustainability in the built environment, problem-based learning, enhancing learning experience through industrial liaison and problem-solving, facilitating blended-learning, and developing reflective practitioners.
Supervision
Current PhD students:
- Alsaied, A. (ongoing) The determinants for prosumers to initiate community energy projects and sustain participation in Europe. Role: Director of Studies.
- Gamper, D. (ongoing) Visitor Mobility in UNESCO World Heritage city centres. Role: Second Supervisor.
Successful PhD completions:
- Khamaksorn, A. (2019) Knowledge Transfer Processes in International Construction Joint Venture Projects in Thailand. Role: Second Supervisor. Viva on 11 Apr 2019.
- Schroepfer, V. (2014) Knowledge transfer in project teams delivering office buildings to sustainable building standards in Germany and the UK. (Second Supervisor)
- Taylor-Lewis, D. (2013) Entrepreneurial Support for Black (Afro-Caribbean) and Asian Construction Businesses: can it enhance their growth? (Second Supervisor)
- Nanayakkara, L. (2012) Site Layout: how it is perceived to affect productivity in public sector construction projects in Sri Lanka. (Second Supervisor)
- Abanda, H. (2011) Knowledge modelling of emerging technologies for sustainable building development. (Second Supervisor)
- Zhou, L. (2009) Achieving sustainable development through the Private Finance Initiative procurement process in the UK. (Second Supervisor)
Visiting PhD students:
- Reis, E. (Jan'18-July'18) Evaluating the Legal and Administrative Context of Heritage Conservation in England and International Policies in Relation to Heritage Conservation during Conflict. Full-time Visiting Research Student. Role: Supervisor.
- Teker, I. (Jan’17- Jan’18) Evaluating the Process of Architectural Conservation Projects in England: the case of large-scale, institutional owners. Full-time Visiting Research Student. Role: Supervisor.
Research
My research is inter-disciplinary and wherever appropriate it is undertaken in collaboration with the industry. Through my leadership roles in the University's Sustainable & Resilient Futures Network and the Smart Construction & Impact Assessment Group, I work across the university and the School to enhance our research capacity.
Currently, I focus on inter-disciplinary collaboration to achieve sustainability in the built environment, and adaptation of businesses and the Built Environment to Climate Crisis. Previously, I lead research projects that explored the relationship between social capital and knowledge creation, complex projects, the management of knowledge and innovation as a source of competitive advantage, adaptive re-use of existing buildings, and conservation of the built environment. I have research expertise in these areas and have supervised PhD students to successful completion.
Research impact
The following awards and endorsements are a recognition of the impact my research and teaching make to their audiences.
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2019 Brookes Union Student-Lead Teaching Awards Nomination in the Best Taught Module Category.
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2018 Emerald Literati Awards, Outstanding Paper Award:
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Schröpfer , V., Tah, J. and Kurul, E. (2017) "Mapping the Knowledge Flow in Sustainable Construction Project Teams Using Social Network Analysis”.
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2018 Oxford Brookes Teaching Innovation Award (£5,000): Preparing Graduates for Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the Workplace
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2018 Oxford Brookes Global Challenges Collaborative Research Award (£12,319)
- Funding for collaboration with Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and The Beijing City Lab (BCL), Tsinghua University- two premier research and teaching institutions in China. Furher information on this project can be found here.
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2017 Oxford Brookes Collaborative Research & Travel Grant (£3600)
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2015 Brookes Union Student-Lead Teaching Awards, Nomination in Best Academic Advisor Category.
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2014 Outstanding Paper Award from the Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction
- Lei, Z., Keivani, R. and Kurul, E. (2013) Sustainability Performance Measurement Framework for PFI Projects in the UK.
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2010 Best Paper Award for Innovations in Sustainability from the International Journal of Architectural Engineering and Design Management (an earthscan publication) at the 6th International Conference on Innovation in Architecture, Engineering & Construction, June 9-11, 2010, Penn State University, USA.
- Kurul, E., Tah, J. & Cheung, F. Does the UK Built Environment Sector have the Capacity to Deliver Sustainability?
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2005 O’Regan Centre for Enterprise, Business School, Oxford Brookes University, Enterprise Fellow.
Centres and institutes
Groups
Projects
Publications
Journal articles
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Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Towards Social Understanding of Energy Storage Systems—A Perspective'
Energies 16 (19) (2023)
ISSN: 1996-1073 eISSN: 1996-1073AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARRenewable, decentralised, and citizen-centred energy paradigms have emerged as feasible and reliable alternatives to the traditional centralised fossil-based infrastructure. In this scenario, energy storage systems (ESSs) are enabling technologies to boost the stability and flexibility of the power grid in the short-to-medium term, allowing local communities to envision energy autonomy in the medium term. Traditionally, ESSs have been installed in individual households for their own benefit. However, new storage paradigms focusing on building clusters and district scale have illustrated the need to revise the role of ESSs and to pay close attention to the social factors, while devising implementation strategies for scaling up these new energy infrastructural models. This study reviews recent research trends (2021–2023), proposing three integrated social pillars for the implementation of ESSs: (i) multi-dimensional geographical and institutional scales of ESSs; (ii) social components of spatial and temporal flexibility of ESSs; and (iii) co-creation approaches to devising ESS implementation strategies. These pillars point out the necessary social factors for the implementation of ESSs at scale, highlighting future research perspectives to operationalise such factors, with a particular focus on the importance of citizens’ perception, participation, and collaboration, which are critical for maximising the benefit of sharing and exchanging renewable energy locally. Development of flexible and agile digital platforms that facilitate the co-creation of adaptable socio-technical solutions to adopting ESSs is proposed. The need to tailor these solutions to suit the stakeholders’ capabilities is emphasized.
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Khamaksorn A, Tah JHM, Kurul E, 'Social Networks and Knowledge Transfer in International Construction Joint Venture Projects: A Case Study in Thailand'
Journal of Construction in Developing Countries 27 (1) (2022) pp.111-137
ISSN: 1823-6499 eISSN: 2180-4222AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARInternational joint ventures (IJVs) are a specific type of strategic alliance between contractors from developed and developing countries and have been increasingly used. IJVs between multinational organisations are considered a successful strategy to benefit from international market opportunities in the globalised world. International construction joint ventures (ICJVs) have become of significant interest as the global construction market continues to be integrated into the more competitive business environment. The aim of this article is to uncover the knowledge transfer (KT) practices in an ICJV using social network analysis (SNA). The case presented here is the pilot study. A total of 19 questionnaire surveys were undertaken with selected team members. UCINET 6.0, an SNA package, was used to analyse the collected data and NetDraw was used to visualise the sociogram. This article first presents the actors' attributes; then, social network characteristics, which consist of network structure, network density and degree of centrality and cliques of actors, are presented. This analysis will be used to identify the key actors that influence the KT processes in this case study.
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Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Exploring transformative pedagogies for built environment disciplines. The case of interdisciplinarity in Low Carbon Transition.'
Building Research and Information 49 (2) (2020) pp.234-247
ISSN: 0961-3218 eISSN: 1466-4321AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThe integration of transformative pedagogies into curricula is recognised as a strategy to deal with the new demands of complexity in learning, which include equipping future professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to transition to a low carbon built environment. It requires a dedicated interdisciplinary learning environment. Creating this environment remains a challenge due to the lack of a learning tool to facilitate an interdisciplinary approach. Perhaps due to this challenge, interdisciplinarity within the context of Low Carbon Transition in the built environment has not been sufficiently explored. This study deals with this gap in the literature by developing a pedagogical approach founded on the combined use of Grounded Theory Method, Cognitive Mapping Technique and Meaningful Learning Activities. This paper focuses on the testing phase of this approach, which engaged researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students. The findings promote a transformative pedagogy to explore the socio-technical dimension of the Low Carbon Transition. They point out the type of interdisciplinarity, which we need to integrate into traditional curricula, moving from vocabulary construction at the undergraduate level to exploration of different perspectives at the postgraduate level. Recommendations on the ways in which this approach could become common practice are also made.
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Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Transdisciplinarity in Energy Retrofit: A Conceptual Framework.'
Journal of Cleaner Production 250 (2020)
ISSN: 0959-6526 eISSN: 1879-1786AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis study explores the role of Energy Retrofit (ER) in Low Carbon Transition (LCT). The literature recognises the need to move towards a transdisciplinary approach in ER, which encompasses multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity. However, the fragmentation between different disciplines remains a significant problem, mainly due to challenges associated with knowledge exchange across the allied disciplines that play a role in ER. The authors posit that ER projects has been conceptualised and implemented using a Systems perspective so that an integrated approach that is akin to transdisciplinarity could become commonplace. Against this background, the aim of this paper is to establish to what extent ER has been conceptualised as a
System in the literature so that complexities can effectively be managed through a transdisciplinary approach. This work is based on a literature review of 136 peer-reviewed journal papers. The content analysis demonstrates that current research on transdisciplinarity in ER can be conceptualised in five categories and 15 lines of research. They are presented as a Conceptual Framework, which is this paper’s main contribution to existing knowledge. It reveals the direction of innovation in ER for LCT, and is illustrated as a cognitive map. This map exposes the current fragmentation implicit in the literature, and proposes critical connections that need to be established for a transdisciplinary approach. It also shows that the discourse on LCT changed by moving beyond the building scale; and recognising the need to embrace disruptive and local technologies, and integrating the social and technical aspects of ER. Innovative technical solutions and robust information modelling approaches emerge as key vehicles towards making decisions that pay regard to the economic, social and technical factors and that empower the prosumers to play an active role in LCT. -
Khamaksorn A, Tah J, Kurul E, 'Knowledge Creation: A Case Study of International Construction Joint Venture Projects in Thailand'
International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology 11 (1) (2020) pp.252-259
ISSN: 2010-0248AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARIn recent years, companies around the world are trying to expand internationally through collaborative agreements. ‘International Construction Joint Ventures’ (ICJVs) have become of significant interest as the global construction market continues to be integrated into a more competitive business environment. Moreover, ICJVs can be a mechanism for creating, transferring and improving knowledge and skills between partners. Knowledge creation has also been recognized as the successful mechanism of creating knowledge between local and foreign partners. Therefore, local partners who wished to enter into the emerging market needed to quickly develop the required resources. Thus, it is especially important to understand how new knowledge in ICJV projects can be transferred and adopted. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate and characterise the knowledge creation process in ICJV projects and explore to what extent projects facilitate the process. A case study approach is adopted using three ICJV projects. As a result, this research provides the establishment of specific knowledge creation processes through an empirical investigation of ICJV projects in Thailand.
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Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Assessing a simplified procedure to reconcile distributed renewable and interactive energy systems and urban patterns. The case study of School Buildings in Rome.'
Journal of Urban Design 25 (3) (2019) pp.328-349
ISSN: 1357-4809 eISSN: 1469-9664AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARDistributed, Renewable and Interactive energy Systems (DRIs) are revolutionising the concept of infrastructure by introducing a set of new properties. The implications of the new system properties in the realm of Urban Design are often neglected. This paper proposes a simplified procedure to reconcile DRIs and urban patterns. This procedure is tested on 23 school buildings in four urban regions of the Ostiense district in Rome. Findings suggest that the identification of existing buildings as active, neutral and passive nodes in DRIs can make a significant contribution to Urban Design decisions in order to exploit the renewable energy production capacity inherent in urban patterns.
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Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Knowledge integration for low carbon transition: The case of Energy Retrofit'
European Journal of Sustainable Development 7 (3) (2018) pp.493-506
ISSN: 2239-5938 eISSN: 2239-6101AbstractThe Energy Retrofit concept plays an important role in the transition to low carbon cities, because buildings make a transdisciplinary perspective. Thus, an integrated approach to research, learning and teaching in the built environment disciplines is required. The Authors present the final stage of the first work package of an H2020-Marie-Sklodowska Curie project, which focuses on the development of an Innovative Learning Platform for Knowledge Integration in Energy Retrofit. This paper, which first summarizes the conceptual framework that was elaborated in an earlier phase, focusses on the methodological approach that was used to define the relevant information networks concerning Energy Retrofit using a cognitive mapping technique. The methodology is applied to 10 case studies in order to explore the relationships between Energy Retrofit and built environment transformation processes. The methodological approach is structured as follows: 1) Collecting case studies; 2) Identifying main topics; 3) Coding list of concepts; 4) Defining relationships; and 5) Updating the conceptual framework. The findings show that the adopted methodological approach is useful for integrating diverse disciplinary perspectives and for improving users’ cognitive skills that are involved in mutual and joint learning processes. In conclusion, this study presents an innovative approach to research, learning and teaching in built environment disciplines.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Distributed Renewable and Interactive Energy Systems in Urban Environments'
Techne. Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment SS1 (2018) pp.33-39
ISSN: 2240-7391 eISSN: 2239-0243AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADAREuropean Policies consider a multitude of Low Carbon Technologies to transform cities to Low Carbon Cities. Some of these technologies can form distributed systems. These are newforms of Energy Networks which can contribute to reducing the vulnerability and homogenization of urban patterns as they evolve to become part of the urban infrastructure. This evolution process also involves computerizing elements of the infrastructure, and thus relates to the Smart City concept. In this sense, a Distributed and Renewable energy system becomes interactive promoting a set of novel system properties. Following a qualitative approach, this paper presents an innovative conceptual framework in order to establish, communicate and disseminate these new system properties.
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Schröpfer V, Tah J, Kurul E, 'Mapping the knowledge flow in sustainable construction project teams using social network analysis'
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 24 (2) (2017) pp.229-259
ISSN: 0969-9988 eISSN: 1365-232XAbstractPurpose of this paper Knowledge transfer (KT) practices in five construction projects delivering sustainable office buildings in Germany and the UK are examined using Social Network Analysis (SNA). Design/methodology/approach Case studies were adopted as research strategy, with one construction project representing one case study. A combination of quantitative data, social network data and some qualitative data on perceptions of the sustainable construction process and its KT were collected through questionnaires. The data was analysed using a combination of descriptive statistics, cross tabulations, content analysis and SNA. This resulted in a KT map of each sustainable construction project. Findings The findings resulted in a better understanding of how knowledge on sustainable construction is transferred and adopted. They show that large amounts of tacit knowledge were transferred through strong ties in sparse networks. Research limitations/implications The findings could offer a solution to secure a certain standard of sustainable building quality through improved KT. The findings indicate a need for further research and discussion on network density, tie strength and tacit KT. What is original/value of paper This paper contributes to the literature on KT from a social network perspective. It combines the concepts of network structure and relatedness in tie contents regarding specialised knowledge, i.e. sustainable construction knowledge. Thereby it provides a robust approach to mapping knowledge flows in office building projects that aim to achieve high levels of sustainability standards.Published here Open Access on RADAR
Purpose
Knowledge transfer (KT) practices in five construction projects delivering sustainable office buildings in Germany and the UK are examined using Social Network Analysis (SNA).
Anchor
Design/methodology/approach
Case studies were adopted as research strategy, with one construction project representing one case study. A combination of quantitative data, social network data and some qualitative data on perceptions of the sustainable construction process and its KT were collected through questionnaires. The data was analysed using a combination of descriptive statistics, cross tabulations, content analysis and SNA. This resulted in a KT map of each sustainable construction project.
Anchor
Findings
The findings resulted in a better understanding of how knowledge on sustainable construction is transferred and adopted. They show that large amounts of tacit knowledge were transferred through strong ties in sparse networks.
Anchor
Research limitations/implications
The findings could offer a solution to secure a certain standard of sustainable building quality through improved KT. The findings indicate a need for further research and discussion on network density, tie strength and tacit KT.
Anchor
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature on KT from a social network perspective. It provides a novel approach through combining concepts of network structure and relatedness in tie contents regarding specialised knowledge, i.e. sustainable construction knowledge. Thereby it provides a robust approach to mapping knowledge flows in office building projects that aim to achieve high levels of sustainability standards.
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Oti AH, Kurul E, Cheung F, Tah JHM, 'A framework for the utilization of Building Management System data in building information models for building design and operation'
Automation in Construction 72 (2) (2016) pp.195-210
ISSN: 0926-5805AbstractResearch on digitizing the various aspects of a typical building project has been on the increase since the advent of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Most efforts build on information technology capabilities already achieved in the various professional domains associated with different stages of the building life cycle. It is predicted that BIM will help to drastically reduce errors, fast-track project delivery time and save implementation costs. As such BIM is now being utilized in the various professional domains and project stages. However, research suggests that the building operation and management stage is being left behind despite the abundance of data collected using building management systems (BMS) of varying degrees of sophistication. It is therefore important to consider exploring BIM applications that encompasses the building operation phase. This will enhance the evaluation of building performance in use and provide feedback to the design stage which could help eliminate design-related performance issues. A framework for utilizing feedback loops from building energy consumption to inform and improve design and facility management in a BIM environment is therefore proposed. A prototype illustrating the framework is implemented in. NET framework interfaced with a BIM-enabled tool and tested in the refinement of a pre-designed school using data from the operations phase of another school delivered previously. We conclude that the framework developed in this research can contribute to bridging existing gaps between the design, construction and operation phases of a building's life-cycle.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Cheung FKT, Kurul E, Oti AH, 'A case study of hybrid strategies to create value for a contracting business in the education sector in England and Wales'
Construction Management and Economics 34 (4-5) (2016) pp.335-352
ISSN: 0144-6193 eISSN: 1466-433XAbstractSuccessful hybrid strategies adopt service marketing principles although the adoption of those principles by construction marketers is not apparent. Through an interpretive inquiry approach attempting to capture multiple views in a case of successful strategic programmes for the primary school market, various value co-creation elements of the programmes are assessed according to four axioms of service-dominant (S-D) logic. The strategic programmes were found to create value by (1) developing new skills and knowledge, building relationships to leverage skills and close the knowledge gaps; (2) enhancing interactions through customer engagement, dialogue creation and enrichment, the use of BIM technologies and social networks; (3) strengthening many-to-many relationships through supply chain integration; and (4) assisting individual customers to define their value propositions and to evaluate them through free self-service systems, and products and services inquiries. Further research is needed to assess how customers value the various co-creation elements identified in the paperevidence for applying the generic value co-creation principles to marketing in construction.Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Kurul E, Smith A, Cheung F, 'A live project to improve energy performance of retail organisations'
Brookes eJournal of Learning and Teaching 7 (2015)
ISSN: 1744-7747AbstractLive projects have long been used to facilitate learning in the built environment (BE) disciplines, particularly architecture. This in-depth case study is drawn from another BE discipline: Project Management. The process of developing an award-winning energy assessment model for concession-based retail organisations, which was recognised as a real shift in the way sustainability was delivered by The Green Apple Awards in 2012, is evaluated. The great benefits, e.g. a £27k saving in energy costs during the first year, that academic research delivered in a commercial environment are identified.
First, the key features of live projects are drawn from the literature. Then the unusual context for this live project is set. The differences between this live project and the more common setting of the full-time (FT) student being taken into the ‘real-world’ are thus identified. An explanation of the process through which the assessment model was developed as part of an MSc Dissertation, how it was used by the employer, and its benefits to the business follows. The next section draws out the key aspects of working in this different live project setting. A short discussion on whether a live project in this setting requires a different approach than the usual FT-student scenario concludes the case study.
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Kurul E, 'Influences of social capital on knowledge creation: An exploration in the UK built environment sector'
Architectural Engineering and Design Management 11 (2) (2013) pp.83-104
ISSN: 1745-2007AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThe UK built environment sector faces a number of important challenges such as reducing carbon emissions and cost. New knowledge should be created to develop new practices, competences and capabilities to overcome these challenges. Studies that characterise knowledge creation as a transformation process through the networks of social relationships and intra-organisational teams are needed to understand, and thus improve such processes in project environments. Structural, relational and cognitive dimensions of Social Capital (SC) influence the utilisation of knowledge creation opportunities inherent in project networks. Hence, SC provides the essential infrastructure for knowledge creation. A fresh approach to operationalising the concept of SC through social network analysis and content analysis is thus required. This paper develops and explores the conceptual relationships between knowledge creation and SC in the context of two live building projects. There are two main conclusions. First, structural network indices are indicators of knowledge creation opportunities but they should be considered in conjunction with the relational and cognitive dimensions to determine whether and how opportunities are being utilised. Second, project communication strategies should be designed to enable actors in structurally advantageous positions for knowledge creation to utilise these opportunities.The UK built environment sector faces a number of important challenges such as reducing carbon emissions and cost. New knowledge should be created to develop new practices, competences and capabilities to overcome these challenges. Studies that characterise knowledge creation as a transformation process through the networks of social relationships and intra-organisational teams are needed to understand, and thus improve such processes in project environments. Structural, relational and cognitive dimensions of Social Capital (SC) influence the utilisation of knowledge creation opportunities inherent in project networks. Hence, SC provides the essential infrastructure for knowledge creation. A fresh approach to operationalising the concept of SC through social network analysis and content analysis is thus required. This paper develops and explores the conceptual relationships between knowledge creation and SC in the context of two live building projects. There are two main conclusions. First, structural network indices are indicators of knowledge creation opportunities but they should be considered in conjunction with the relational and cognitive dimensions to determine whether and how opportunities are being utilised. Second, project communication strategies should be designed to enable actors in structurally advantageous positions for knowledge creation to utilise these opportunities.
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Zhou L, Keivani R, Kurul E, 'Sustainability performance measurement framework for PFI projects in the UK'
Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction 18 (3) (2013) pp.232-250
ISSN: 1366-4387AbstractPurposePublished here– The relationship between sustainable development and private finance initiative (PFI) procurement systems is clarified, and the current debate on the effectiveness of PFI in the UK and the benefits of PFI to deliver sustainable construction is reviewed. The study develops a sustainability assessment framework encompassing environmental, economic, social and technical aspects through the life cycle of the procurement process. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
– A comprehensive literature review develops a conceptual sustainability performance indicators framework. A national questionnaire survey measures existing PFI projects' sustainability performance level.
Findings
– The study provides empirical insights about key performance indicators of sustainable PFI project development and a benchmarking for existing PFI project performance measurement. It suggests that successful sustainable PFI projects should integrate technical aspects into the traditional three dimensions sustainability model and achieve a balance between social and economic performance.
Research limitations/implications
– Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack in-depth analysis of individual projects. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the framework further.
Practical implications
– The sustainability indicator framework proposed in this paper is readily applicable in PFI projects, as well as other types of PPP projects.
Originality/value
– This paper fulfils an identified need to study how the sustainability performance levels achieved could be effectively measured within PFI/PPP projects; while contributing to the debate on benchmarking and measuring sustainability performance in construction.
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Kurul E, Tah JH, Cheung F, 'Does the UK built environment sector have the institutional capacity to deliver sustainable development?'
Architectural Engineering and Design Management 8 (1) (2012) pp.42-54
ISSN: 1745-2007 eISSN: 1752-7589AbstractGlobally, the construction sector has to reduce its environmental impact. Institutional innovation is necessary to achieve reductions at the required levels. Robust and rigorous evaluations of the industry's capacity to bring about such innovation are absent, although there is a plethora of policy incentives, and more frequently obligations, for the industry to take action. This paper evaluates the UK construction industry's institutional capacity to innovate to become more sustainable. The industry's current impact on the environment is first illustrated. The second section argues the case for institutional innovation to meet the UK Government's targets, and reviews the policy implementation and institutional innovation literature. A framework that is later used to evaluate the UK construction industry's institutional capacity to deliver sustainability concludes this section. The main body of the paper focuses on this evaluation by using secondary data published by key government departments and industry bodies.. The conclusions identify the policy framework as the strongest aspect of the industry, whilst demonstrating that in other areas, i.e. content, capacity, commitment, and clients and collaborations, there is much room to develop institutional capacity. The fragmented industry structure and the current state of the economy are identified to be the main barriers to development.Published here -
Cheung FKT, Rihan J, Tah J, Duce D, Kurul E, 'Early stage multi-level cost estimation for schematic BIM models'
Automation in Construction 27 (2012) pp.67-77
ISSN: 0926-5805AbstractPrevious studies reveal the need for a tool to evaluate various aspects of building design in early design stages. This paper proposes a multi-attribute based tool to address this need. The tool allows users to evaluate the functionality, economics and performance of buildings concurrently with building design. To illustrate the mechanics of the tool, the paper details the cost estimation module that enables quick and intuitive exploration of early stage design in a popular 3D modelling environment. Measurements are automatically extracted from 3D models and profile driven estimates are revised in real-time. The data model uses a flexible unit rate system that can easily be extended to other estimate dimensions such as carbon estimates and waste estimation. The approach illustrated in this paper is applicable to 3D modelling environments that support free form geometry for massing purposes other than the one chosen for this study.Published here -
Guchan S, Kurul E, 'A history of the development of conservation measures in Turkey: from the mid 19th century until 2004'
Middle East Technical University Journal of the Faculty of Architecture 26 (2) (2009) pp.19-44
ISSN: 0258-5316Published here -
Kurul E, Sahin Guchan N, 'A History of the Development of Conservation Measures in Turkey: from the mid 19th Century until 2004'
Middle East Technical University Journal of the Faculty of Architecture 26 (2) (2009) pp.19-44
ISSN: 0258-5316Published here -
Kurul E, 'A Qualitative Approach to Exploring Adaptive Re-use Processes'
Facilities (2007)
ISSN: 0263-2772Published here -
Kurul E, 'The application of cognitive mapping methodologies in project management research’'
International Journal of Project Management 25 (8) (2007) pp.762-772
ISSN: 0263-7863Published here
Books
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Keivani R, Tah J, Kurul E, Abanda H, Green jobs creation through sustainable refurbishment in developing countries, International labour organization (2010)
ISBN: 978922123610-8
Book chapters
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Sibilla M, Kurul E , 'Climate Change and Built Environment Education: A Pedagogical Approach to Foster Interdisciplinary Learning' in Walter Leal Filho, Mihaela Sima, Amanda Lange Salvia, Marina Kovaleva, and Evangelos Manolas
(ed.), University Initiatives on Climate Change Education and Research, Springer Nature (2024)
eISBN: 9783031259609Abstract Published here Open Access on RADAR
Conference papers
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Sibilla M, Esra K, 'Built Environment Education Across Boundaries. The Case of Energy Retrofit As a Tool for Low Carbon Transition'
3 (27) (2019) pp.377-388
ISBN: 2518-668XAbstractPublished hereSince the 1990s, several studies have focused on the concept of Transformative Pedagogy as a strategy to foster inter-disciplinary abilities to rise to the challenge of sustainable development. Although the impact of these transformative pedagogies is widely recognized, their integration in traditional educational programmes is often neglected, specifically in programmes that develop future practitioners in the built environment(BE).In this realm,research has promoted the integration across disciplines as key element to build locally appropriate technological solutions to deal with energy issues that building and urban scales. However,the lack of inter-disciplinary training and tools necessary to support the understanding of complex problems within an inter-disciplinary context has remained an issue. This project deals with this lacuna by developing an innovative learning platform for knowledge integration in Energy Retrofit(ER).This paper starts with an overview of the methodological approach,which was used to configure the main structure of the cognitive tool (i.e., cmapER). Then, the results of the workshop which involved twelve senior researchers with different backgrounds (e.g. economists, architects, planners, engineers and project managers) in a mutual process of knowledge exchange, are presented. The main findings point out a set of new functionalities and properties of the CmapER as a cognitive tool that canstimulate interdisciplinary perspectives in ER. This contribution represents a further development on the combined use of cognitive mapping technique and meaningful learning activities in the realm of BE disciplines.
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Wragg E, Kurul E, Spencer-Chapman N, Lim R, 'Preparing Graduates for Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the Workplace'
(2019) pp.3426-3436
ISBN: 9789623678216AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis paper reports the findings of six focus groups on developing skills for interdisciplinary collaboration in Higher Education (HE), and our literature view. This work is associated with a Teaching Innovation Project that received funding from the authors’ institution. This project aims to develop a systemic pedagogy for facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, which is deemed critical for the delivery of Smart Cities, and to test and disseminate this pedagogy. The focus groups aimed to critically evaluate the current thinking and practice on inter-disciplinary collaboration from a different standpoint. The perceived wisdom that solely creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, e.g. live projects, as part of the curriculum, will develop practitioners who can collaborate across disciplinary boundaries, was challenged.
The use of group work for developing skills for collaboration is an established and well-researched pedagogical approach. However, far less attention has been given to the skills for interdisciplinary collaboration (Park & Mills 2014). Working in interdisciplinary teams presents a unique set of challenges. The transferable skills required to do this are increasingly recognised as crucial to respond to the complex sustainability challenges of the 21st Century (Marinova & McGrath 2004, Defila & Di Giulio, 2015), including the delivery of Smart Cities. Simply putting students in interdisciplinary teams is not sufficient to develop these skills (Ritcher 2009). Small-scale interventions and exploratory projects rather than embedded programmatic approaches, are needed (Klein & Schneider, 2010). Teaching strategies that promote the skills required for interdisciplinary collaboration should be developed (Ritcher et al 2009). We argue that learning and teaching for inter-disciplinary collaboration should place more emphasis on: shared (across disciplines) modules or lectures based on case or problem-based learning; and actively developing students’ understanding of the dynamics of teams and personal relationships, and behaviours within teams; and their ability to effectively function in interdisciplinary teams.
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Kurul E, 'Integration and Collaboration for Smart Planning, Design and Construction'
(2019)
ISBN: 9789623678216AbstractPublished hereThe need for integration and collaboration has been widely acknowledged in the construction
industries across the Globe. These calls have their roots in the numerous critical reviews of the
industry, starting with Bossom (1934) and the Simon Report (1944) in the UK. McKinsey’s 2017
Report is more recent. Despite the passage of time, the core of the appeal remains surprisingly similar,
and the low levels of performance persist.The prevailing business model that relies on temporary contracts, and the insistence on treating its
symptoms, e.g. adversarial relationships, lack of trust, usually by advocating technological solutions
such as BIM, result in the decades-long need to repeat these calls. It is counterintuitive to delivering
truly ‘Smart Cities’, which requires integration and collaboration horizontally and vertically across
Project and Urban Governance Systems.This paper argues that even if technological solutions such as BIM are adopted at scale, they will not
result in a more collaborative and better integrated industry, because the adoption problem is
fundamentally considered as a linear process of technology adoption. BIM and other potentially
transformative initiatives should be conceptualised and implemented as high technology management
(Zeleny, 1986) in order to deal with the unique set of challenges and exploit the opportunities
associated with working in interdisciplinary teams across organisational and institutional boundaries,
and thus to make collaboration and integration common-practice.This paper evaluates the current BIM initiatives in the UK. This evaluation is based on Zeleny’s
framework, which is applied using secondary data. First, the plethora of calls for collaboration and
integration are reviewed. A brief discussion of the conceptual aspects of high technology
management follows. The Conclusions present the key barriers to high technology management: the
structure of the industry, its narrow search scope, and its focus on experiential learning, and on
incremental change at the project level. -
Kurul E, Hathway R, 'Tapping into Women’s Leadership & Creativity for Constructing Smart Cities'
(2019)
ISBN: 9789623678216AbstractPublished here“Women’s perspectives are critical to ensuring that smart cities work for everyone” (Women’s Forum
for the Economy & Society, 2017). Issues around lack of female representation in construction
industries worldwide are well-rehearsed. Barriers that women face when they enter the sector, are
often magnified upon maternity and motherhood. This condition results in the loss of skilled
professionals from the industry at a time when skills shortages, which will become more acute as the
drive towards Smart Cities gains pace, are of particular note. This paper is a response to these
shortages through an investigation into the experiences of recent post-maternity returners to the sector
in the UK.The nature of the topic, population characteristics and project objectives pointed to a qualitative
approach. A sample of recent post-maternity returners in the sector was narratively interviewed in a
semi- structured format in order to develop an understanding of the current range of experiences.
Narrative data was correlated with background demographic data, obtained using a short survey, to
establish potential trends and to provide context. Results and observations were cross-referenced with
the most recent literature to establish commonalities and potential recommendations.Flexibility and work-place culture were found to be significant for the post-maternity experience. The
level of ownership and control that the individual had over their experience, directly impacted the
perception of a positive or negative post-maternity experience. Results indicated that there were
improvements in the sector as an environment for women, but that there is still a long way to go until
a truly equitable environment is achieved. Recommendations focused on the cultural changes needed
to achieve the conditions required for this to occur. The viewpoints of subjects who chose not to
return post-maternity should also be studied to address the potential bias that may be inherent in the
current findings. -
Oti AH, Kurul E, Cheung F, Tah J, 'The Utilisation of BMS Data in BIM for Facilities Management'
1 (2016) pp.224-235
ISBN: 9789521537400AbstractPublished here -
Kurul E, Abanda H, Tah JH, Cheung F, 'Rethinking the build process for BIM adoption'
CIB World Building Congress Construction and Society. Australia (2013) pp.1-13
ISBN: 978-0-9875542-1-5AbstractCollaborative working and integrated project delivery (IPD) are considered to be pivotal for the UK Built Environment Sector to rise up to the important challenges, such as reducing carbon emissions and cost, whilst delivering better value to the client. Considerable work remains to be done after nearly 1.5 decades since Egan listed them among the five key drivers of change. Innovating through integration and advocating change remain amongst the Government’s top priorities for the sector to respond to the five-low carbon challenges, and thus to reduce costs by between 10% and 30%.Building Information Modelling (BIM) is currently hailed as a solution that will eventually make collaborative working a reality. There is a strong push in the UK for the industry to adopt BIM but very limited appreciation of the issues that need to be resolved, e.g. cultural, procedural, contractual and process-related. Technological solutions to this problem exist but they need to be creatively combined to facilitate true collaboration between disparate project stakeholders who are often reluctant to share innovative solutions due to contractual relationships and Intellectual Property.
This paper focuses on improving the processes to design and deliver standardised schools in the UK by developing a novel approach to IPD through collaborative working and learning from project experience (collaborative BIM- cBIM). This is achieved by utilising the power of BIM, and emerging techniques and technologies. First a review of the current processes is undertaken to identify how IPD of standardised designs should be lead, planned and implemented. Second, emerging tools and technologies that can support this novel approach to procurement, design, and delivery are identified. The paper concludes with suggestions to develop an initial framework for cBIM which details the processes and protocols that should be embedded in project teams to make IPD a reality.
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Kurul E, 'Social Network Analysis: a robust methodology to evaluate knowledge creation capability and absorptive capacity'
1 (2008) pp.241-
ISBN: 978-0-415-46059-0AbstractPublished hereConstruction Management and Economics 25th Anniversary Conference, 16th-18th July 2007, University of Reading UK. Presented as part of one of the three keynote speech panels of the conference.
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Zhou L, Keivani R, Kurul E, 'The Economic Benefits of Sustainable PFI Project: A case study of Newport Southern Distributor Road.'
(2008) pp.135-144
ISBN: 978-0-646-50372-1AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to examine the sustainability performance of an individual highway Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme in the UK, mainly to scrutinize its economic benefits at three levels: project, local and national. The fieldwork was undertaken through a detailed and specific set of semi-structured interviews in the case study of Newport Southern Distributor Road (SDR). Five main drivers for the sustainability approach are identified and the transferability is analysed. Research finds that the Newport PFI case demonstrates whole life cost savings for both the client and the contractor. The social-economic contribution of the PFI project is critical to the local urban regeneration programs and sustainable community development. Furthermore, effectively applying the government`s financial incentives and advanced technology could efficiently reduce the capital cost without negative impact on the project`s quality and time. The sustainability aspects of this project could be extracted and transferred to other highway projects, in particular through the PFI procurement system. -
Egbu C, Kurul E, Vines M, Olomolaiye A, Hinks J, Liyanage C, 'Knowledge management and intellectual capital in the construction industry: an agenda for research'
(2003)
Other publications
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Wilby R, Smith S, Petersen K, Misal H, AbdulRafiu A, Alam A, Anthony R, Blenkinsop S, Brown C, Fowler H,
Gupta R, Harcourt R, Kurul E, Lee M, Padhra A, Radcliffe J, Shepherd B, Walton J, Yarr R, 'Assessing climate risk and strengthening resilience for UK Higher Education Institutions', (2023)
AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis working paper and accompanying case studies aim to support UK Higher Education Institutions
(HEIs) to develop processes to assess their current and future climate risks, put in place plans to adapt to
these risks, and identify opportunities to strengthen their resilience. This guidance summarises the latest
evidence in line with national climate risk assessment and adaptation planning, and is intended to support
decision makers, senior leaders, sustainability practitioners and risk experts within HEIs to undertake this urgent work. Potential activities are identified for key actors and communities including sector bodies and government. -
Kurul E, 'Resilient Student Halls at Oxford Brookes University. UK Universities Climate Network Case Study', (2023)
Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Thew H, Graves C, Reay D, Smith S, Petersen K, Bomberg E, Boxley S, Causley J, Congreve A, Cross I, Dunk R, Dunlop L, Facer K, Gamage K, Greenhalgh C, Greig A, Kiamba L, Kinakh V, Kioupi V, Klapper R, Kurul E, Lee M, Marshall-Cook J, McGivern A, Mork J, Nijman V, O'Brien J, Preist C, Price E, Samangooei M, Schrodt F, Sharmina M, Toney J, Walsh C, Walsh T, Wood R, Wood P, Worsfold N, 'Mainstreaming Climate Change Education in UK Higher Education Institutions', (2021)
AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARKey messages
• Mainstreaming Climate Change Education (CCE) across all learning and operational activities enables Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to better serve their core purpose of preparing learners for their roles in work and wider society, now and in the future.
• Student and employer demand for climate change education is growing, not just in specialist subjects but across all degree pathways.
• The attitudes, mindsets, values and behaviours that graduates need to engage with climate change include the ability to deal with complexity, work collaboratively across sectors and disciplines and address challenging ethical questions.
• The complexity of the climate crisis means all disciplines have a role to play in delivering education for the net-zero transition. Embedding interdisciplinarity is crucial to ensuring that our response to climate change makes use of all of the expertise HEIs have to offer and promotes knowledge exchange and integration for students and staff.
• Student-centered CCE, including peer-to-peer learning, is a powerful tool for facilitating an inclusive and empowering learning experience, and developing graduates as change agents for the climate and ecological crisis.
• HEIs should develop learning outcomes for CCE that include understanding the scale, urgency, causes, consequences and solutions of climate change; how social norms and practices are driving
the climate crisis; and the ability to identify routes to direct involvement in solutions via every discipline.
• Pedagogical approaches to teaching CCE should enable learners to engage with, and respond to, climate change as a “real-world” problem, such as through experiential learning.
• Further recommendations for the HEI sector include developing a strategy for aligning CCE teaching provision with governance structures; partnering with industry, government and third sector organisations to enable context-specific CCE; and working with trade unions and accreditation bodies to enable curriculum reform. -
Sibilla M, Kurul E, 'Developing a pedagogical approach to put interdisciplinarity into practice for the low carbon transition', (2021)
Published here Open Access on RADAR -
Kurul E, Sibilla M, 'Rethinking Buildings: Should Buildings simply be enclosures that house different functions? ', (2020)
AbstractPublished here Open Access on RADARThis document presents BasES, which is a Tool Kit disseminated as an Open Educational Resource. BasES is focused on the topic of Buildings-as-Energy Services, promoting the knowledge integration to envisage buildings as components of future Distributed Renewable and Interactive Energy Systems (DRIs).
BasES will allow users of exploring and analysing DRIs’ emergent properties at the local level, developing, and implementing the Tool Kit proposed. The specific objective concerns the use of the Tool Kit in the organisation of a Technology Support Net (TSN) for Buildings-as-a-Service. TSN is composed of a multitude of actors, who often have different perspectives and scopes, but they are called to work collaboratively in order to establish work rules, requisite skills, work contents, standards and measures, culture and organisational patterns with regard to the emergent systems. Buildings-as-a-Service is a completely new topic, and thus, an appropriate TSN is needed urgently. Our Tool Kit (i.e. Buildings-as-Energy-Services - BasES) will be a ground-breaking cognitive apparatus for involving stakeholders in knowledge transfer and integration processes. Thus, a new generation of Product-Service Systems will be promoted. The BasES is expected to configure a multi-stakeholder co-designed UK Roadmap on Socio-Technical Innovation in DRIs Transition.
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Rempling, R, Kurul, E, Oti, H, 'TG90 Information Integration in Construction, Research Roadmap', (2019)
Published here -
Kurul E, Abanda H, Ng'ombe A, 'A mathematical model for assessing and evaluating students', (2016)
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Kurul E, 'Knowledge transfer in project teams delivering office buildings to sustainable building standards', (2013)
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Keivani R, Tah JH, Kurul E, Abanda H, 'Green Jobs Creation Through Sustainable Refurbishment in the Developing Countries', (2010)
AbstractThis paper provides a review of literature on energy-efficient sustainable refurbishment in developing countries and concentrates on case studies within Brazil, South Africa and the Netherlands to examine the social, economic and environmental effects of adopting sustainable refurbishment.Published here -
Nanayakkara L, Kurul E, 'IMPACT OF SITE PLANS ON PRODUCTIVITY IN PUBLIC SECTOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN SRI LANKA', (2005)
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Egbu C, Quintas P, Anumba C, Kurul E, Hutchinson V, RUIKAR K, 'A Systematic Analysis of Knowledge Practices in other sectors: lessons for construction', (2003)
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Egbu C, Kurul E, Quintas P, Hutchinson V, Anumba C, Ruikar K, 'Knowledge production, resources and capabilities in the construction industry. Work package 1-final report, Knowledge management for sustainable construction competitiveness project', (2003)
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Egbu C, Kurul E, Quintas P, Hutchinson V, Anumba C, Ruikar K, 'Knowledge production, resources & capabilities in the construction industry', (2003)
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Egbu C, Quintas P, Anumba C, Kurul E, Hutchinson V, Ruikar K, 'Knowledge Production Resources & Capabilities in the Construction Industry--work package 1--Final Report', (2003)
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Egbu C, Kurul E, Quintas P, Hutchinson V, Anumba C, Al-Ghassani A, Ruikar K, Consultancy AML, 'Techniques & Technologies for Knowledge Management Work Package 3-Interim Report', (2003)
Published here