Complex Projects Research Articles

Interpartner learning capabilities and relationship performance during complex projects

Purpose Success in projects requires understanding and managing increasing complexity. This study aims to address the gap in the literature regarding the relationship between project complexity and various forms of interpartner learning capability. In addition, the authors explore the moderating effect of supplier design responsibility on the relationship between project complexity and interpartner learning capability. Design/methodology/approach From an electronics supplier’s perspective, the authors propose that the effect of project complexity is a process of knowledge acquisition and sharing that is facilitated by various forms of interpartner learning capability, including absorptive learning and joint learning, with the upshot of fostering name-brand customer dependence in international exchange relationships. A questionnaire survey is used to collect data from project, product and account managers in the electronics manufacturing industry. The conceptual model is tested using 226 returned questionnaires. Findings The results indicate that complex projects can drive absorptive learning and joint learning capability, fostering enhanced customer dependence and relationship performance. Further, supplier design responsibility has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between project complexity and joint learning capability. However, project complexity is not significantly moderated by the effect of supplier design responsibility on absorptive learning capability. Originality/value Complexity fosters behaviors that influence interpartner learning, which highlights the connection between project management complexity and organizational learning in theory and practice.

VEIDEA: A Comprehensive Framework for Implementing Building Information Modeling-Based Value Engineering Within a Common Data Environment in Construction Projects

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry faces significant global challenges, including frequent project delays, budget overruns, and inadequate stakeholder collaboration. To address these issues, Value Engineering (VE) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) have been increasingly used in large-scale, complex construction projects. Although many studies highlight the benefits of integrating VE with BIM, its full practical potential has not yet been realized. This study aims to investigate the integration of VE and BIM within a Common Data Environment (CDE) to improve decision making and project outcomes. A comprehensive framework was developed, consisting of four interconnected modules: (1) Creating the CDE, (2) Developing the BIM Model, (3) Implementing Value Engineering, and (4) Conducting a Value Engineering Study. Central to this framework is the introduction of the VEIDEA” data bank, a structured system based on the OmniClass classification, which stores and organizes VE ideas. Additionally, the framework incorporates the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to automate the evaluation phase, assisting designers and VE teams in making data-driven decisions on design alternatives. Empirical results from a case study of an office building show significant cost savings, with a 20% reduction in reinforced concrete (RC) slab costs and a 39% reduction in flooring material costs. These findings demonstrate the potential for integrating VE and BIM to enhance cost-effectiveness and overall project performance. This study offers a novel approach to optimizing project collaboration, decision making, and efficiency in the AEC industry.

AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT: ANALYZING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AGILE METHODOLOGIES IN IT PROJECTS COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL APPROACHES

This systematic review examines the comparative effectiveness of Agile and traditional project management methodologies, focusing on their application in dynamic IT environments and well-defined industries. Utilizing the PRISMA guidelines, a total of 45 peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2023 were analyzed. The review found that Agile methodologies consistently outperformed traditional approaches in dynamic settings, offering greater flexibility, faster project delivery, and higher customer satisfaction through iterative cycles and continuous stakeholder engagement. However, traditional methods, such as Waterfall, were found to be more effective in projects with fixed scopes and stringent regulatory requirements, providing better control and predictability. The review also highlights the growing adoption of hybrid project management models, which combine Agile’s adaptability with the structure of traditional methods, particularly in large or complex projects. The findings underscore the importance of selecting the appropriate methodology based on project-specific factors, with Agile excelling in fast-changing environments and traditional methods being more suitable for regulated industries. Further research is recommended to explore Agile’s applicability in non-IT sectors and the long-term effectiveness of hybrid models.

Hero's journey as a framework to study a project manager

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore which insights the hero’s journey framework provides to the micro-level perspective of the process a project manager goes through in a project.Design/methodology/approachThe study design involves a longitudinal qualitative case study in which we follow a project manager over the course of two projects. In Canada, the project manager undertook the world’s first hotel rooftop honeybee garden project. Later, he implemented a rooftop honeybee garden at the Waldorf Astoria New York. The stages and archetypes within the hero’s journey framework are used as an analytical grid for analysis.FindingsOur research reveals how the hero’s journey framework can be utilized as a lens to understand the process of a project from the viewpoint of the project manager. The research shows that projects can have comprehensive stages and transform the project managers themselves.Research limitations/implicationsThe research investigates small-scale projects that are peripheral to the core business of the case organizations. A limitation is that the findings may not be applicable for bigger, more complex and core business projects. Another limitation is that the research relies on secondary data only. Two managerial implications: For a project manager to start out on a hero’s journey, triggers that make the project manager respond to “a calling” need to be present. The project manager must be able to deal with different archetypes, whether helpful or harmful, along the process.Originality/valueThe research extends existing knowledge on a project manager’s decisions, obstacles, opportunities, thoughts, emotions and actions through the project process by showing how the hero’s journey framework can be used as a supplement to the well-known metaphor of a project as a temporary organization. Further on, the research demonstrates how an analytical framework can enhance the understanding of the process of a project manager from a micro-level perspective. In addition, the research deals with corporate social responsibility (CSR) related projects that are of high relevance in the contemporary society.

MAPEAMENTO DE PROCESSOS NA ENGENHARIA CIVIL: OTIMIZAÇÃO DO MONITORAMENTO E EXECUÇÃO DE PROJETOS

Process mapping in civil engineering is crucial for optimizing project monitoring and execution. It provides clarity on the necessary steps, helping the team better understand their roles and responsibilities. With a clear view of the workflow, bottlenecks can be identified and improvements implemented, increasing efficiency and productivity. Additionally, process mapping facilitates communication between different teams, which is essential in complex projects, and ensures compliance with standards and regulations, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. With the rise of digitalization, this practice enables the integration of new technologies, further boosting efficiency. The aim of this research is to encourage the adoption of process culture in civil engineering and expand the range of practical case studies on process mapping. Thus, process mapping is established as an essential tool that not only improves project execution but also promotes a more sustainable and innovative future..

Adjusting expectations actionable: Personalised treatment plan in anticipation of data-driven healthcare

Our paper is a case study of the making of data-driven healthcare and anticipation work done by developer-experts in a project for implementation of an integrated patient data management platform in Finland. We focus on ‘personalised treatment plan’, a trope that experts regularly use when talking about the objectives of data management reform and their wishes for datafication of healthcare. We conceive of the personalised plan not primarily as a future vision or an outcome, but rather a tool of anticipation of work. Our analysis demonstrates two purposes for which the developer-experts used this tool. First, the plan enabled them to reconfigure the general expectations of datafication actionable and adoptable in the actual world of healthcare and to articulate datafication technology-to-come as concrete hopes and wishes, plans and assessments in the contexts of clinical practices and administration. Second, experts used the idea of a personalised plan for reasoning over and management of their own work. Among the fuzziness and commotion of the complex project, the plan helped them to create and maintain a workable order between the expectations, tasks and functions that the datafication technology should accomplish in healthcare in the future. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of anticipation to take the specific political and economic contexts into account, which made the developers unprepared for the political interruption of the project.

BIM-Supported Knowledge Collaboration: A Case Study of a Highway Project in China

Collaboration is challenging in highway building projects since there are always a number of stakeholders involved, each with different responsibilities, backgrounds, objectives, and competing interests. The basis for addressing collaboration problems in building projects is knowledge. Knowledge management (KM) can benefit greatly from the distinctive characteristics of BIM (building information modeling). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate knowledge collaboration in highway construction projects that is enabled by BIM. It first explores the motivations behind and difficulties with using BIM for knowledge-based collaboration. Next, it looks for possible ways to overcome those difficulties. It employs a large highway project as a study case in China. It uses in-depth interviews with a range of contractors working on this project to comprehend the difficulties they face in working together and investigate ways that BIM-supported KM can help stakeholders collaborate more effectively. Ultimately, it creates a conceptual model for knowledge-driven collaborative management within the BIM environment, offering both a theoretical framework and useful direction for knowledge-based collaboration amongst various stakeholders. The study explores the advantages of BIM characteristics in knowledge collaboration, which provides empirical evidence for the transformation from traditional IT-based knowledge collaboration to BIM-based knowledge collaboration in large and complex highway projects.

Integrating lean production and agile project management: a planning and control model for multi-project environments in construction

The Last Planner System (LPS) and Scrum are established planning and control methods that have produced positive results in managing complex projects. They are based on two different but overlapping theoretical frameworks: Lean Production and Agile Project Management. However, there is a lack of academic studies on how to combine those methods and whether their theoretical underpinnings are compatible. Furthermore, previous studies about those methods have not addressed the context of multiple projects developed simultaneously, and the connections between project management from the perspective of client organisations and production management from the perspective of suppliers. This research work proposes a planning and control model for this context. Using Design Science Research (DSR), an empirical study was carried out at a department store company in Brazil. The practical contributions of this study are related to adapting and combining LPS and Scrum elements to the context investigated. The model includes innovative practices, such as integrated look-ahead planning meetings between the project and the production management levels and using Scrum practices to remove certain constraints. This study also sheds light on the commonalities and differences between LPS and Scrum based on how they support the application of important production principles in construction.

Software Change Request in Software Development Project : Factors and Methods (Scoping Review Methods)

Software development is dynamic by nature, often requiring changes in software requirements through Software Change Requests (SCRs). This research aims to identify and analyze the key factors that influence SCRs in software development projects and evaluate the methods used to effectively manage these changes. This research uses the Scoping Review Method to systematically review and synthesize existing literature on SCRs, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of current practices, challenges, and strategies for managing software change requests. The review includes an extensive search of academic databases to identify relevant studies that address SCR factors and management methods. Key factors that influence SCR include project size, complexity, stakeholder involvement, and clarity of initial requirements. Methods for managing SCR are categorized into formal approaches, such as structured change control processes and tools, and informal approaches, which rely on ad-hoc communication and collaboration. The results underscore the importance of a well-defined change management process to mitigate the risks associated with SCR. Effective SCR management can improve project outcomes by improving software quality, increasing stakeholder satisfaction, and minimizing project delays. This research has practical implications for software development professionals by providing insight into effective SCR management techniques. This research also identifies gaps in the literature, recommending future research on the impact of agile methodologies and the use of automated tools in facilitating change management. Understanding these factors and methods enables practitioners to better navigate the complexities of software change, ensuring successful project delivery and maintaining high software quality.

Between smart housing and home. EU-funded climate smart interventions in Swedish public housing

Smart housing and its consequences for tenants is still a largely absent field in smart city and housing research. Departing from the EU-funded project GrowSmarter, 2015–2019 and a renovation project of a 1960s housing complex in Stockholm, the article investigates tensions around retrofitting older apartment blocks to make them climate smart. The article presents the argument that top-down approaches of EU-funded climate-smart city interventions leave minimal space for different stakeholders to steer the process and limits the tenants’ role and influence. Researching the implementation of smart technology in housing renovations and how it ultimately effects tenants’ everyday lives, the article adds to previous knowledge of uneven development of climate smart solutions through bringing in the outcomes of housing renovation projects, and how ‘actual smart cities’ are played out within the housing sector. The article brings together research on climate urbanism, housing studies and smart cities with the purpose to understand the scalar politics of smart implementations and the effects on tenants.

Project management analysis-based on Shanghai Disney

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the project management strategies employed during the development of Shanghai Disneyland. It utilizes three key analytical tools: PESTLE, SWOT, and Fishbone Diagram, to assess various aspects of the project. The PESTLE analysis evaluates the external environment, including political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors, which influenced the park's successful completion. The SWOT analysis identifies the project's internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats it faced. Additionally, the Fishbone Diagram highlights critical challenges, such as financing, technology, and localization, that contributed to delays in project progress. The findings of this study demonstrate how effective project management, supported by government partnerships and market demand, facilitated Shanghai Disneyland's establishment as a globally significant theme park. However, the paper also underscores the importance of addressing localization and financial sustainability to ensure long-term success. The analysis provides valuable insights into managing large-scale, culturally complex projects.

Analytical Hierarchy Process for Construction Safety Management and Resource Allocation

The construction industry plays a crucial role in contributing to the economy and developing sustainable infrastructures. However, it is known as one of the most dangerous industrial domains. Over the years, special attention has been paid to developing models for managing and planning construction safety. Many research studies have been carried out to analyze the root causes of fatal accidents in construction sites to develop models for preventing them and mitigating their consequences. Root cause identification and analysis are essential for effective risk mitigation. However, implementing mitigation activities is usually limited to the project’s safety budget. The construction sector suffers from a lack of allocation of appropriate safety resources triggered by a dynamic and complex project environment. This study aims to address the gap in safety resource allocation through a comprehensive root cause analysis of construction work accidents. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of work accident-related research, categorized according to the 5M model into five root factors: medium, mission, man, management, and machinery. A novel methodology for construction safety resource allocation is proposed to mitigate risks analyzed by the 5M model with the aid of advanced technological solutions. Safety resource allocation alternatives are formulated, and their priorities are established based on an analysis of structured criteria that integrate both risk and cost considerations. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed to select the optimal alternative for safety resource allocation, with the objective of effective risk mitigation. The proposed model underwent validation through two different case studies. The findings indicate that risk aversion is a critical factor in the optimal allocation of safety resources. Furthermore, the results suggest that regulatory measures should prioritize the stimulation of risk motivation in the safety decision-making processes of construction firms.

Key factors affecting project delivery system selection in the Chinese construction industry

This study aims to investigate the key factors owners consider when selecting a PDS, the importance degree of these factors, and the perception differences among owners, consultants, and contractors regarding these factors. Interviews and questionnaire surveys were used to determine the importance degree of each influencing factor. And perception differences of the influencing factors on PDS among the three subjects were calculated through SPSS 15.0. The findings show that the three subjects' perceptions of the importance degree of the economic attributes of the engineering project, engineering project complexity, sub-project construction interference degree, and delivery system preference were significantly different, while the perceptions of engineering project scale, investment control requirements, schedule requirements, quality requirements, risk preference, construction management capability, land acquisition, demolition and migration, construction site conditions, local policies and regulations, and construction market development level were insignificantly different. This research can help owners understand influencing factors on PDS selection from different dimensions. Valuable information was provided for owners to select an accurate and reasonable PDS, ultimately reducing project costs and facilitating project management. Additionally, this research complements previous research on PDS selection and proposes a new influencing factors framework by exploring the key factors affecting PDS selection and the perception differences between the three subjects.

Multisource information fusion for safety risk assessment in complex projects considering dependence and uncertainty.

The success of tunneling projects is crucial for infrastructure development. However, the potential leakage risk is particularly challenging due to the inherent uncertainties and fuzziness involved. To address this demanding challenge, a hybrid approach integrating the copula theory, cloud model, and risk matrix, is proposed. The dependence of multiple risk-related influential factors is explored by the construct of the copula-cloud model, and the diverse information is fused by applying the risk matrix to gain a crisp risk result. A case study is performed to test the applicability of the proposed approach, in which a risk index system consisting of nine critical factors is developed and Sobol-enabled global sensitivity analysis (GSA) is incorporated to investigate the contributions of different factors to the risk magnitude. Key findings are as follows: (1) Risk statuses of the studied three tunnel sections are perceived as under grade I (safe), II (low-risk), and III (medium-risk), respectively, and the waterproof material aspect is found prone to deteriorating the tunnel sections. Furthermore, the proposed approach allows for a better understanding of the trends in the risk statuses of the tunnel sections. (2) Strong interactions between influential factors exist and exert impacts on the final risk results, proving the necessity of studying the factor dependence. (3) The developed neutral risk matrix presents a strong robustness and displays a higher recognition capacity in risk assessment. The novelty of this research lies in the consideration of the dependence and uncertainty in multisource information fusion with a hybrid copula-cloud model, enabling to perform a robust risk assessment under different risk matrices with varying degrees of risk tolerance.

Examining the Relationship Between Project Complexity and Project Success: The Moderating Role of Project Management Competencies in Ghana’s Construction Sector

ABSTRACT This study seeks to examine the relationship between project complexity and project success in construction projects in Ghana while assessing the moderating role of project management competencies (PMC). Using a quantitative cross-section research design, data was collected from 141 respondents in organizations that undertake construction projects in Ghana. Responses were analyzed using IBM SPSS (v.23.0) and Smart PLS 3.0. The results established a negative relationship between Technological, Organizational, and Environmental complexity and project success. Technological complexity was seen as the dimension of complexity that significantly affects the success outcomes of projects. PMC’s moderating influence was insignificant. The findings suggest that, for projects to have an increased success rate, organizations must thoroughly investigate the kind of project complexity expected to be present in the project, and this will inform decisions on the caliber of skills/competencies needed for a successful execution of the project.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON INNOVATION PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN TECH STARTUP ECOSYSTEM

Objective: In an age when competitive advantage needs to be sustained through innovation, especially in the very fast and dynamic tech industry, good practices in project management make a vital contribution toward successfully manoeuvring through the complexities of innovation projects. This study highlights the economic implications of project management on innovation performance within technology-based ventures, particularly in Saudi Arabia’s evolving tech ecosystem. Method: An empirical analysis of 372 responses using an SEM approach investigates the alignment of innovation objectives with project management practices by identifying key factors that contribute to innovation performance in an evolving tech ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Results and Discussion: The research concluded that good project management practices can, to a high extent, enhance the innovative capability of tech startups, whereby the converted ideas can come into existence and be taken from the idea level to the marketplace. Research Implications: The practical implications of the research were to recommend ways in which tech startups and other firms can enhance their innovation performance by embracing best practices in project management. This implies that by coupling these economic practices with strategic innovation objectives, by fostering collaboration, and by managing resources and risks efficiently, organizations can substantially enhance their innovation capacity and ensure long-term success in competitive markets. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge at the border between project management and innovation and can contribute something new for both practitioners and policymakers within the tech environment.

Assessing the Effects of Habitat Loss and Deterioration on a Red Squirrel Translocation Site: Insights for Future Conservation Management.

Translocations, a conservation tool used to conserve and restore dwindling species, are often associated with high failure rates. Inadequate long-term monitoring of both populations and their introduction sites beyond the initial years post-translocation creates a gap in our understanding of the factors that determine translocation success or failure, resulting in less informed projects in the future. This lack of long-term monitoring is partly caused by the absence of a well-defined framework by which the success of the translocation can be measured, leading to premature and sometimes inaccurate assessments of their outcome. We investigated the long-term outcome of a red squirrel translocation in the west of Ireland, specifically assessing the habitat changes in the translocation site since the introduction in 2005, and their impact on the capacity of the forest to sustain a population of a given size. Using digitised historical map data, we showed that the translocation site experienced a 53% reduction in suitable habitat. Additionally, there was a 41%-81% reduction in the total number of red squirrels the forest could support, according to feeding survey data. Clear-felling, a forest fire and a shift in tree species composition collectively contributed to this decline in site suitability. This investigation underscores the complexity of translocation projects and emphasises the pivotal role of habitat quality in their outcomes. We advocate for detailed habitat assessments during the planning phase, avoidance of unstable habitats as translocation sites, and the implementation of long-term monitoring practices.

Exploring the antecedents of knowledge transfer among stakeholders in green building projects: From the configuration perspective

With the rapid development of green buildings around the world, knowledge transfer among stakeholders is of great significance in promoting the innovation and application of green building technologies. However, due to the complexity and specificity of green building projects, current studies have not fully established a comprehensive understanding of how elements from various dimensions (i.e., subject, relationship, context, and activity) collectively impact knowledge transfer among stakeholders in green building projects. Therefore, this study aims to explore the key factors that affect knowledge transfer among stakeholders in green building projects and how these factors work together to enhance the effectiveness of knowledge transfer (EKT). Firstly, the key factors influencing knowledge transfer were pinpointed: cognitive differences, connection strength, organizational climate, information technology capability, transmit willingness, receive willingness, perceived policy support, and richness of transfer channels. Then, an examination of the collected valid samples was conducted through configuration analysis utilizing the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method. The findings reveal five configurations, categorized as strong connection-driven, policy support-driven, and both-driven. Lastly, some combination strategies were outlined for different categories to assist green building companies in enhancing EKT. This study not only enhances the existing green building literature by developing a framework of factors that influence knowledge transfer among stakeholders, but also provides a reference for corporate executives to choose the best strategies to enhance EKT in green building projects.

PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT MODELS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The relevance of the research topic is due to the increasing complexity of construction projects, stricter requirements for deadlines, quality of work, as well as increased competition in the relevant industry. In the current conditions, traditional management methods often turn out to be ineffective, which leads to deadlines, budget overruns, and a significant decrease in the quality of construction. The purpose of the study is to analyze and systematize ideas about modern models of productivity improvement in construction project management, as well as to assess their potential impact on key performance indicators of projects. Special attention is paid to the formulation of the author's view of the advantages and limitations of specific models. The study revealed contradictions between the need to introduce innovative approaches to working with projects and the conservative practices that have developed in the industry. In addition, it is advisable to point out the discrepancy between the pace of development of digital technologies and the speed of their adaptation in the construction sector. It is concluded that integrated models combining elements of flexible methodologies, digital developments, and Lean approaches are the most effective. The role of digital twins, predictive analytics, and blockchain in improving productivity in this area is particularly emphasized.

A two-stage stochastic programming model for comprehensive risk response action selection: A case study in Industry 4.0

Effective project risk management is critical in environments where both micro-level and macro-level risks are present. Traditional models often focus on micro-level risks, neglecting broader macroeconomic uncertainties such as geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions. This research introduces a two-stage stochastic programming model designed to optimize the selection of Risk Response Actions (RRAs) under uncertainty while addressing both types of risk. The model incorporates “here-and-now” decisions at the planning stage and “wait-and-see” decisions as uncertainties unfold, enabling adaptive risk management throughout the project lifecycle. To solve the model efficiently, we employ an evolutionary algorithm combined with Sample Average Approximation (SAA) to handle the computational complexity of multiple scenarios. The model is applied to a real-world case study involving the integration of IoT and ERP systems in a smart factory in Iran, a project characterized by significant macroeconomic and geopolitical risks. Our key contribution lies in providing a comprehensive risk response strategy selection model that simultaneously addresses micro- and macro-level risks while incorporating strategic flexibility through outsourcing decisions. The results demonstrate that our model outperforms traditional deterministic models, offering enhanced resilience against macro-level risks and improved project performance under uncertainty. These findings provide valuable insights for project managers aiming to increase resilience and adaptability in volatile environments. By integrating both internal and external risk factors, our model offers a robust tool for managing complex projects, enhancing decision-making and project outcomes in uncertain conditions