Construction Project Management Research Articles

Optimizing time and cost in construction projects with a hybridized multi-verse optimizer and opposition-based learning

PurposeFor successful management of construction projects, a precise analysis of the balance between time and cost is imperative to attain the most effective results. The aim of this study is to present an innovative approach tailored to tackle the challenges posed by time-cost trade-off (TCTO) problems. This objective is achieved through the integration of the multi-verse optimizer (MVO) with opposition-based learning (OBL), thereby introducing a groundbreaking methodology in the field.Design/methodology/approachThe paper aims to develop a new hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm. This is achieved by integrating the MVO with OBL, thereby forming the iMVO algorithm. The integration enhances the optimization capabilities of the algorithm, notably in terms of exploration and exploitation. Consequently, this results in expedited convergence and yields more accurate solutions. The efficacy of the iMVO algorithm will be evaluated through its application to four different TCTO problems. These problems vary in scale – small, medium and large – and include real-life case studies that possess complex relationships.FindingsThe efficacy of the proposed methodology is evaluated by examining TCTO problems, encompassing 18, 29, 69 and 290 activities, respectively. Results indicate that the iMVO provides competitive solutions for TCTO problems in construction projects. It is observed that the algorithm surpasses previous algorithms in terms of both mean deviation percentage (MD) and average running time (ART).Originality/valueThis research represents a significant advancement in the field of meta-heuristic algorithms, particularly in their application to managing TCTO in construction projects. It is noteworthy for being among the few studies that integrate the MVO with OBL for the management of TCTO in construction projects characterized by complex relationships.

The Application of Game Theory in Engineering Project Management

The coexistence of conflict of interest and cooperation are two of the most significant characteristics in the process of construction project management. To maximize their interests, all parties involve and restrict each other in the process of management, resulting in the phenomenon of information asymmetry between Party A and Party B, passive slacking of contractors, project quality defects, and project claims in the process of project management. By applying game theory to the construction of engineering projects, it can facilitate managers from all parties to choose better decisions, thereby further improving the level of engineering management and expanding their own profits. Starting from the basic concepts of game theory and engineering project management, this article focuses on three perspectives: project bidding stage, construction stage, and engineering claim stage. It analyzes the game between owners and contractors under incomplete information conditions and concludes that both parties should realize the sharing of information resources and strictly abide by the principle of engineering contract equality. Several suggestions related to engineering project management are also proposed.

Bibliometric Analysis of Key Issues and Objectives in Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainable Project Management

The environmental, economic, and social sustainability of construction project management was researched through a literature review in this study. This paper aimed to analyze the trends in studies about issues in sustainable project management and to research the importance and components of environmental, economic, and social sustainability and their interrelationships. In the scope of the bibliometric analysis, the articles were analyzed by their publication years, authors, authors' countries, authors' organizations, and keyword occurrences. Then, the problems in ensuring the sustainability of construction project management and suggestions for overcoming these problems were reviewed. In previous studies, high energy and raw material consumption and waste became the main factors that prevented environmental sustainability. A strong relationship was found between economic sustainability and life cycle cost assessment, and effective stakeholder engagement is considered the major contributor to the social sustainability of construction management. Sustainability regulations and policies, managerial capabilities, and organizational learning also have critical significance for achieving sustainable construction. The dimensions of sustainability in construction management are closely related to one another, and each one is crucial to achieving the other aspects of sustainability in construction projects. Therefore, a comprehensive strategy that takes into account social, economic, and environmental sustainability criteria should be adopted in construction project management.

Impact assessment of critical success factors (CSFs) in public construction projects of Saudi Arabia

PurposeThere is a limited number of research work on critical success factors (CSFs) in public construction projects in Saudi Arabia. In response to this knowledge gap, the objective of this paper is to assess the impact of CSFs on the government construction projects in Saudi Arabia. The success factors are investigated from a broader consideration of failure criteria, from consideration of most effectiveness in successful project completion and also from consideration of the impact of implementing control processes for successful project completion.Design/methodology/approachThis study has analysed the impact of success factors on construction projects in Saudi Arabia using a descriptive methodology. An exhaustive literature survey is undertaken to identify the success and failure factors related to government construction projects in Saudi Arabia. The survey data are sorted out and analysed by cost, schedule, technical, context and finance dimensions of the projects based on project types, engineering complexity, size, modality, jurisdictional control and funding approach. To evaluate the influence of success factors implementation, qualitative data were collected in a survey via a web-based questionnaire that was sent to officials working and occupying a responsible position in national project guidelines organizations and in government construction organizations in Saudi Arabia. In all, 28 CSFs were identified, ranked and evaluated for their impact on project success. The four identified factors belong to process categories of construction projects, nine factors belong to management of construction projects and 15 success factors are identified for impact assessment of implementation in construction projects.FindingsThe study's findings have identified and ranked the top five CSFs that significantly influence project outcomes, including meeting time targets, adhering to financial budgets, delivering desired outcomes for all stakeholders, effectively managing risks and assembling the appropriate team while optimizing resource allocation. Additionally, the research indicates that hindrances to projects primarily stem from execution, economic, human and political factors. The study advocates for strict controls over incomplete engineering designs and advises against contractors independently handling design work to ensure project success. Additionally, addressing contractors' qualifications and financial matters is crucial for project success. By highlighting these CSFs and challenges, the research provides actionable insights to enhance project management practices in the construction industry.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to the infrastructure projects constructed by governmental bodies with the participation of officials from government organizations. Further study, including private projects and officials working on private projects, may be needed to generalized the research outcome.Originality/valueNumerous studies have investigated CSFs in construction projects, but few have examined their relevance to Saudi Arabian government projects. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying key CSFs specific to Saudi Arabian public sector construction projects and assessing their impact on project success. It advocates for stringent controls in the Saudi Arabian construction sector, emphasizing the importance of preventing incomplete or altered engineering designs by contractors to increase the success rate of public sector projects. This research offers practical insights to stakeholders, advancing project management practices in Saudi Arabia's construction sector for improved outcomes and resource utilization.

Influence of BIM and Lean on Mitigating Delay Factors in Building Projects

Building projects are affected by various phenomena that can affect their success and continuity and, in the worst cases, can lead to project abandonment. The delay has been identified as one of the phenomena with the most significant impact and recurrence; therefore, mitigation actions are required. BIM and Lean Construction are two approaches with great potential to mitigate delay-generating factors. However, more studies need to be conducted to analyze their influence on mitigating schedule delays. Considering this gap, this paper focuses on analyzing the influence of Lean Construction tools, and BIM uses that favor mitigating the main factors that generate variations in the construction schedules of residential buildings. The research method was divided into five main stages: (1) Delay factors identification; (2) BIM uses identification; (3) Lean tools identification; (4) questionnaire design, validation, and application; and (5) influence quantitative analysis. A total of 20 delay factors, eight BIM uses, and eight Lean tools were selected. Next, a consultation was conducted with 50 building project managers and two residential building projects were analyzed. The findings show that implementing BIM and Lean tools greatly influences mitigating delay factors such as errors and deficiencies in design documents, inefficient project planning and scheduling, and poor communication and coordination with designers. BIM uses that have a strong influence on reducing delays include 4D construction planning and 4D construction analysis and optimization. In the Lean domain, the Last Planner System (LPS) and collaborative meetings have a high influence on mitigating delays. This study provides valuable insights for construction project managers to improve overall project efficiency by optimizing the implementation of BIM uses and Lean tools.

Structural monitoring data repair based on a long short-term memory neural network.

As construction technology and project management develop, structural monitoring systems become increasingly important for ensuring large-span spatial structure safety during construction and operation. However, most of the sensors and monitoring equipment in monitoring systems are poorly serviced, resulting in frequent abnormal monitoring data, which directly leads to challenges in data analysis and structural safety assessment. In this paper, a structural response recovery method based on a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network is proposed by studying the autocorrelation of data and the spatial correlations among data at multiple measurement points. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method are verified using the monitored stress data for a grid structure jacking construction process, and the influence of different data loss rates on the recovery accuracy is analysed. The recovery models are compared using a support vector machine and a Multi-Layer Perception (MLP) neural network. The proposed method can effectively restore missing data; notably, the MSE index is 0.6, and the MAPE is below 15%. The data restoration method based on the LSTM neural network is more accurate than the traditional method. Finally, the repair applicability of various types of monitored data is verified using the monitoring data from Hall F of Qingdao Jiao-dong International Airport under typhoon conditions.

Investigating the influence of organizational culture on team management: exploring effective factors and techniques

This qualitative research examines how organizational culture intersects with team management in the construction industry. Conducting interviews with nine experienced construction project managers and team members, we collected data using a qualitative approach. We applied content analysis to scrutinize the gathered data, addressing the central question: 'Which strategies and techniques within organizational culture are essential for efficiently managing construction teams?' Our primary objectives were to clarify the intricate relationship between organizational culture and team management and outline key strategies crucial for effective team management. Consequently, the research revealed seven fundamental factors pivotal in facilitating effective team management, each accompanied by corresponding techniques. These factors encompass team formation and composition strategy, effective communication with the project team, employee development, team members' support, empowerment and autonomy, cultivation of a collaborative culture of trust and respect, and recognition and rewards policy. This study offers crucial insights into the correlation between organizational culture and successful construction team management, identifying vital strategies and techniques to enhance productivity, cohesion, and efficiency within construction teams

Enhancing sustainability considerations in construction industry projects

AbstractIn today’s society, the construction sector significantly influences all three aspects of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. Industry and academia have recognized sustainability in construction projects as a key concern. The New Zealand government also focuses on providing a sustainable construction sector centred on high performance, high productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving community well-being through a better-built environment. Project management and sustainability are two distinct areas of research. Previous empirical research on the effectiveness of construction project implementation lacked sustainability success components. This research aims to provide criteria for project sustainability success for future performance on construction projects. Based on the existing literature, many economic, environmental, and social sustainability indicators were compiled for consideration at various pipeline project life cycle phases. The information gathered from the Scopus database was analyzed using ATLAS.ti 9 software to create project sustainability success criteria. Pipeline construction projects and sustainability must focus on environmental challenges while managing economic and social advantages. The research investigated sustainable construction adoption, revealing weak awareness among organizations due to limited understanding among key actors like clients, regulatory bodies, and construction organizations. Lack of effective application of sustainability guidelines, inadequate legislation, and building codes were significant hurdles in implementing sustainable practices in the construction sector. The study highlights essential issues to promote sustainable practices in the industry. The study findings suggest that organizations and individual factors are strong predictors for achieving sustainable construction and are vital antecedents leading to greater sustainability adoption. Finally, the study points to construction project managers’ knowledge of how to set up criteria connected to sustainability and how it could affect the outcome of their projects.

Analysis of Full Lifecycle Cost Management of Construction Projects in the Construction Phase

The purpose of this article is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the comprehensive cost management of engineering construction projects during the construction phase, discussing its significance and application in project management. Through an introduction outlining the research background and objectives, the concept, role, as well as relevant theories and methods of comprehensive cost management throughout the project lifecycle are introduced. Subsequently, a detailed presentation of the main aspects of comprehensive cost management during the construction phase is provided, including the budgeting stage, contract stage, implementation stage, and closing stage. This is followed by an analysis of the key factors that influence comprehensive cost management, covering both internal and external factors. Finally, optimization and improvement strategies are suggested, along with a discussion of future research directions and development trends.

Advancing social practice understandings of digital innovation delivery in construction project management

PurposeThe paper aims to apply social practice theory to clarify the process of innovation design and delivery from one successful digital innovation: the building information modelling (BIM) risk library. The paper clarifies the practices surrounding construction innovation and provides a schema useful for practitioners and technology designers through a social practice analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies Schatzki's “organisation of practice” concepts to a construction project innovation to clarify how the practice of innovation revolves around understandings, rules and teleoaffectivities (emotive behaviours). Sources for the study include notes from meetings, workshops with experts and the shared artefacts of innovation.FindingsThe practice of innovation design and delivery are clarified through a social practice analysis: a distinct “field of practice” and a “schema” of generalisable prescriptions and preferences for innovation delivery being presented.Practical implicationsThe paper informs the practice and process of innovation design and delivery; the insights clarify how collective understandings and rules of use evolve over time, becoming formalised into contracts, agreements and workplans. Practically, processes whereby innovation “sayings” evolve into innovation “doings” are clarified: a schema detailing prescriptions and preferences of practitioners and developers being presented.Originality/valueThe social practice analysis of one successful construction innovation is an original contribution to the body of knowledge, adding a level of detail regarding innovation design and delivery often missing from reported research.

The Relationship between Pre-Estimation and Cost Management in Industrial Construction Projects

Industrial construction projects are the foundation of organizing industrial production, requiring both quality assurance and cost considerations. Pre-estimation of project costs and cost management are essential means and methods for project cost management. Strengthening the pre-estimation management of construction project costs can effectively control project costs and quality, save funds, and provide data support for management decisions. This article first briefly introduces the concepts of pre-estimation and cost management in engineering costs, focusing on the relationship between pre-estimation and cost management in industrial construction projects. It then proposes countermeasures from the aspects of enhancing the scientificity and accuracy of pre-estimation compilation and strengthening fine management on the construction site, aiming to provide some reference for the industry.

Editorial: Innovation and lean practices for sustainable construction project management; emerging technologies, strategies and challenges

Editorial: Innovation and lean practices for sustainable construction project management; emerging technologies, strategies and challenges

Blockchain as a Tool for Improving Collaboration Among Construction Project Managers in Nigeria

Blockchain as a Tool for Improving Collaboration Among Construction Project Managers in Nigeria

Work–family conflict and high-quality relationships in construction project management: the effect of job and life satisfaction

PurposeWork–family conflict is one of the most challenging stressors for construction industry professionals to cope with emotional problems. This study aims to propose a model linking work–family conflict and high-quality relationships among project team members and explore mediating effects of life and job satisfactions.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical framework was established based on the spillover theory and social exchange theory. Data were obtained by a questionnaire survey conducted with 328 respondents working in construction projects. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test interrelationships among work–family conflict, job satisfaction, life satisfaction and high-quality relationship.FindingsThe results indicate that work–family conflict is negatively associated with both job and life satisfactions of construction professionals. In addition, there were direct and positive relationships between satisfaction domains and high-quality relationship capacity. The findings further support that job satisfaction plays a mediating role between work–family conflict and high-quality relationship among construction professionals, while life satisfaction does not mediate the relationship.Originality/valueThe effects of interrole conflicts on the context of satisfaction have been investigated previously; however, there is a lack of knowledge regarding its influence on high-quality relationship among project team members. This study extends the body of knowledge on high-quality relationships among project team members to understand how conflict and satisfaction factors influence interpersonal relationships in construction project management.

Creation of a System of Cost Management Indicators for the Construction Investment Projects of the Green Healthcare Buildings

Introduction. Construction of the green healthcare buildings is a rather new and priority direction of construction in China. One of the key components of efficient implementation of the projects of green healthcare buildings is the cost management of a construction investment project. The projects of green buildings envisage the advanced technical content of a facility, a wide project scope and large number of participants. Therefore, the cost management requirements have to be more demanding, however, the traditional fragmented management fails to meet the requirements fostering the development of the green healthcare buildings. The present research investigates the issues of cost management of the green healthcare construction projects, analyses the necessity, feasibility, development trends and practical cost management problems thereof. The research strives to develop the cost management assessment indicators for all life cycle stages of the projects of green healthcare buildings.Materials and Methods. The research was conducted using such methods as the literature review and the expert interview methods. The expert interview method allows using the experience of experts from the related fields to assist in decisionmaking. Therefore, a questionnaire was developed as a part of the research.Results. Upon in-depth study of the various factors affecting the cost management of the green healthcare construction projects, the strategies and response measures have been developed based on the advantages and cost management features. By summarizing the cost management assessment indicators referring to implementation of the green healthcare construction projects and by combining the opinions of the experts and scientists from the related fields, the cost management assessment system for a project of green healthcare building has been created. The created assessment indicators make it possible to implement better control over the costs assigned to the green healthcare construction projects, elevate the level of project cost management, enhance the integrated benefits of the project and ensure the cost management and cost control for the similar projects.Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the research provide a theoretical basis for creating a cost management assessment system for the green healthcare construction projects aimed to solve the problems of cost management of the green healthcare buildings. The practical significance consists in providing a real practical approach to improving the cost management of the projects of green healthcare buildings.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Construction Project Schedule Management: A Review

Nowadays, the implementation and application of the BIM process in construction project management is a pressing need. This aligns with the global development trends in the construction sector and project information management in general. Numerous scholars and companies are actively engaged in learning, understanding, and investigating various aspects of BIM to stay up-to-date and meet the inevitable developmental requirements. This study focuses on the role and application of BIM, intending to identify limitations that hinder its fulfillment of expectations in project schedule management. In addition, it explores studies that show how other countries have effectively employed BIM in project management and progress tracking throughout the project lifecycle. The study aims to address three main objectives: (a) comprehensively examine and provide evidence related to the concept of BIM in project schedule management, (b) present the benefits of applying BIM in comparison to traditional methods in project management and operation, and (c) identify limitations stemming from various factors that may pose challenges in the application of BIM in project schedule management.

Copula: a decentralized solution for construction project monitoring using blockchain

PurposeThis study aims to introduce and evaluate the COPULA framework, a construction project monitoring solution based on blockchain designed to address the inherent challenges of construction project monitoring and management. This research aims to enhance efficiency, transparency and trust within the dynamic and collaborative environment of the construction industry by leveraging the decentralized, secure and immutable nature of blockchain technology.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a comprehensive approach encompassing the formulation of the COPULA model, the development of a digital solution using the ethereum blockchain and extensive testing to assess performance in terms of execution cost, time, integrity, immutability and security. A case analysis is conducted to demonstrate the practical application and benefits of blockchain technology in real-world construction project monitoring scenarios.FindingsThe findings reveal that the COPULA framework effectively addresses critical issues such as centralization, privacy and security vulnerabilities in construction project management. It facilitates seamless data exchange among stakeholders, ensuring real-time transparency and the creation of a tamper-proof communication channel. The framework demonstrates the potential to significantly enhance project efficiency and foster trust among all parties involved.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the study provides promising insights into the application of blockchain technology in construction project monitoring, future research could explore the integration of COPULA with existing project management methodologies to broaden its applicability and impact. Further investigations into the solution’s scalability and adaptation to various construction project types and sizes are also suggested.Originality/valueThis research offers a comprehensive blockchain solution specifically tailored for the construction industry. Unlike prior studies focusing on theoretical aspects, this paper presents a practical, end-to-end solution encompassing model formulation, digital implementation, proof-of-concept testing and validation analysis. The COPULA framework marks a significant advancement in the digital transformation of construction project monitoring, providing a novel approach to overcoming longstanding industry challenges.

Building information modeling (BIM) adoption for enhanced legal and contractual management in construction projects

Building information modeling (BIM) adoption offers significant benefits for construction projects, including enhanced collaboration and legal/contractual management. However, the impacts of BIM deployment on construction contracts and dispute resolution remain unclear. This research analyzed the regulatory and legal implications of BIM adoption in construction industry via a framework evaluating Contractual Frameworks (CF), Dispute Resolution (DR), Legal Awareness (LA), and Risk Management (RM). Fifteen qualitative interviews with construction industry experts provided key insights. The results showed CF, DR, and LA have a large positive impact on BIM adoption, while RM has a smaller effect. Specifically, clearly defined BIM protocols in contracts, efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, and legal knowledge of BIM are essential to ensure effective deployment. These findings imply construction project managers should proactively address contractual and legal factors to manage risks, encourage collaboration, and adhere to regulations when implementing BIM. This research makes a significant contribution by addressing the lack of empirical insights on the contractual and legal aspects of BIM adoption. The qualitative methodology provides in-depth perspectives from experienced industry practitioners. The findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders worldwide seeking to leverage BIM. Further comparative research across regions and industries would continue to advance comprehension of the legal implications of BIM adoption.

Developing a multidimensional risk assessment model for sustainable construction projects

PurposeSustainable construction re-engineers the conventional project lifecycle to integrate sustainability solutions. The additional sustainability requirements introduce new layers of complexity, challenges and risks that if unaddressed, can derail the gains in sustainable construction projects. This study developed a multidimensional risk assessment model for sustainable construction projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Design/methodology/approachThe research activities a comprised comprehensive literature review to shortlist relevant risks, an analysis of the probability – impact rating of the shortlisted risks – and the development of a risk assessment model for SC projects in the UAE. The model is developed based on the multicriteria framework and mathematical formulation of the fuzzy synthetic evaluation approach.FindingsThe developed model quantified the overall risk level in sustainable construction projects to be 3.71 on a 5-point Likert scale, indicating that investment in SC projects in the UAE is risky and should be carefully managed. The developed model further revealed that each of the risk groups, comprising management (3.82), technical (3.78), stakeholder (3.68), regulatory (3.66), material (3.53) and economic risks (3.502), presents a significant threat to realizing outcomes typical of SC projects.Originality/valueThis study developed a multidimensional risk assessment model capable of objectively quantifying the overall risk level and provides decision support to project teams to improve risk management in sustainable construction projects.

Directions for the formation of «City Intelligent models» using artificial intelligence for the post-war reconstruction of historical buildings

Addressing the limitations of current digital simulations for historical buildings, this paper suggests a specific technical task for the development of a simulation analysis platform based on City Intelligent Modelling (CIM). The objective is to establish a systematic approach for digitally maintaining and managing historical dwellings. The technique presented in this paper focuses on constructing sophisticated parametric models that offer numerous modelling benefits, allowing for convenient updates to the Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM). The text discusses various applications and integrations of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in urban planning, construction projects, and historic building renovations. CIM is presented as a comprehensive digital platform that visually represents cities, aiding urban planners in decision-making for sustainable development. The text delves into the use of advanced analytical tools within CIM for diverse data analysis, predictive modelling, and simulation to forecast trends. The focus shifts to the evolution of BIM, progressing from 3D to 5D models, influencing construction project management and cost estimation. The integration of BIM in historic building projects is explored, emphasising the challenges and proposing innovative solutions using HBIM. The paper also introduces the concept of Infrastructural Building Information Modelling (InfraBIM) in construction management, incorporating Virtual and Augmented Reality for enhanced visualisation.