https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/89443 2026-06-19T12:02:40Z 2026-06-19T12:02:40Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/110835 2023-06-21T07:15:02Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Historical layers : values, dilemmas, and the decision-making process Abstract: The most interesting and appealing aspect of a historical building is certainly the complexity of layers of history which the structure exhibits and is continuously revealed adding new richness to our heritage. These changes in the structure reflect the multiplicity and variety of activities that formed that building into what it is today, therefore, it is our obligation to safeguard these layers as much as possible and not to lose trace of what made the historical structure so significant to the history of the place. The dilemma which ensues is how to achieve a balance when intervening on a building without compromising in any way the historical layers of the structure while the building is adapted and given new life. The literature review analyses the four main topics of this research - historical layers including the study of stratigraphy, conservation values, the dilemmas a project team encounters during a conservation project and finally discusses different decision-making processes together with an overview of the current international and local guidelines and policies. This research seeks to create a framework which can be used to valorize the various layers of history of a particular historical structure using a values-based approach following a thorough stratigraphic analysis of the building. Stratigraphy is a powerful tool that could be used at the beginning of the process to reveal the historical interventions the building might have gone through. Some of these changes might not be revealed through documentation or archival research, therefore the building is the best document which can be used to identify the changes imposed on the building through the years. A case-study based approach was used to implement the framework and study its viability in a real case scenario. From the case study reviewed it is clear that values can be attributed to the different phases extracted during the stratigraphical analysis. The numerical values-based approach chosen for this study resulted in a ‘significance index’ for each phase identified aiding in the decision-making process. This study also attempts to promote both the documentation process of the findings through the use of photographic surveys, surveyed plans together with record sheets for each layer and also documenting the decision-making process used for various stakeholders to understand the process, as well as for future generations to be able analyse previous decisions and interventions. The framework suggested in this study is one which has taken multiple stages of analysis and was found to be ‘reasonable, transparent and consistent’. The framework is also flexible and can be used for various scaled projects as long as a thorough study of the values which give significance to the building is done to ensure that all values are included. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/94803 2023-01-27T10:25:17Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Urban open spaces and their potential as green infrastructure Abstract: The need to strive for sustainable development and mitigate or adapt to climate change are increasingly at the forefront when planning for and managing urban concentrations. Urban design is a key player and the planning and design of urban open spaces is one area within the dimensions of urban form which is increasingly recognised for its importance in improving the sustainability and resilience of built environments. In fact, if urban open spaces function as green infrastructure they have the potential to address a broad range of urban challenges. A review of Maltese policy and publications reveals the poor quality of urban open spaces in Malta. Additionally, various trends such as: Malta´s particular scale; development pressures; policy orientation; governance; climatic conditions; and mobility challenges, support the need to develop research in relation to Malta’s urban open spaces. The suggestion is made that a ´gap´ exists in relation to their planning and design. The aim of the research is therefore to investigate planning policy and the design of urban open spaces in Malta and use the outcomes to develop proposals for improving their contribution to sustainable development. The research adopts a mixed methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques and Malta’s urban conurbation as a single city case study. The methodology is developed in two phases. The first utilises: physical survey; online survey; interviews; case study project reviews; and policy review to gather the initial data. The second develops proposals in response to the results and attempts to identify potential barriers to implementation using focus groups. The results of phase one identify that the design of existing urban open spaces in Malta are lacking in their potential to act as green infrastructure. Gaps in spatial planning systems and policy as well as governance issues, which are also contributing to current trends, emerge. Following a comparison with international literature, a set of proposals are developed. These are elaborated on and refined using the input from the focus groups. A refined framework is developed for the spatial planning of urban open spaces. This is recommended as a means to facilitating the potential for Malta´s urban open spaces to act as green infrastructure. The potential barriers to implementing such a framework are also discussed together with emerging considerations and parallel mechanisms which should be considered. In conclusion, the thesis advocates the importance of adopting a multi-faceted and ‘middle-up’ approach. Description: Ph.D.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92918 2026-01-26T10:00:01Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on risk management in procurement in the construction industry Abstract: Purpose: Malta, a small island state in the Mediterranean, like other nations throughout the world has been subjected to lockdown since the coronavirus pandemic broke out in March 2020. Deficits in the construction sector have resulted from such restrictions. The lack of labour and resources on-site has impacted the execution of everyday construction operations in distinct ways, causing slow productivity, delays and interruptions in building projects, contract disputes, loss of revenues, and more. The purpose of this study is to look into the risks that the COVID-19 has forced the local construction projects in an area of procurement. Design/methodology/approach - This study offers a comprehensive look into Malta's construction businesses through the views of developers and contractors. A literature review was compiled to identify the impact of the pandemic on procurement routes in construction and development companies. The study makes use of a mixed-method approach through seven local construction firms, using a questionnaire approach and survey to 135 locals. A thematic analysis is used in the study to extract the relevant themes. Findings: Results demonstrate that the construction industry in Malta was unaffected by the COVID -19 epidemic, with enterprises going about business as usual. Positive feedback was received, suggesting that the occurrence had a minor influence on local economy. Delays in project completion owing to supply chain issues, on-site labor and material shortages, and price hikes in construction materials, particularly steel, were among the risks. Opportunities, especially with the use of more technology compensated for the bottlenecks and hazards. Originality/value: The research of the COVID-19 epidemic and its relationship to the local building sector is in its early stages yet data has shown that the sector has proven itself as resilient in the face of radical change. Description: M.Sc. Proj. Mngt.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92535 2022-03-28T13:36:14Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The impact of the rural policy and design guidance on the effectiveness of project management Abstract: Spatial planning policies are meant to forward plan processes of social, economic, and environmental change which bring about socio-spatial developments. Project management is a complex activity aimed to achieve the feasible completion of projects within the forecasted costs and the expected time schedule. On the other hand, planning policies are prepared purposely with long-term effects, and they are required to be applicable in a scenario which has potentially changed unexpectedly. For these reasons, planning policies need to be flexible enough to apply to all sites, and they do not become outdated in a short period of time. These characteristics of planning policy conflict with the principles of project management, yet the project management of a construction project is highly dependent on planning policy. This research addresses the tensions between project management and spatial planning, and it focuses on the Rural Policy and Design Guidance (2014), by way of an example of a spatial planning policy, as a primary policy document which manages spatial development in the outside development zones of the Maltese Islands. The literature review is based on the international and local contexts of project management and spatial planning. The qualitative research is focused on semi-structured interviews with a wide range of stakeholders in the spatial planning sphere, and the review of case studies. A thematic analysis approach is adopted to analyse the qualitative data. The findings of this research show that project management needs to adapt to the flexibility of planning policy to ensure the successful completion of projects. On the other hand, spatial planning policy needs to be more robust, albeit retaining the required flexibility, by addressing the concerns raised by weak wording and subjective interpretation of the same planning policy which can result in either project success or project failure. Thus, the research expands the theoretical understanding of planning policy, thereby suggesting its improvement, including the need for further training of policy-makers and decision-takers, with the aim of project management success. Description: M.Sc. Proj. Mngt.(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z