Project Cycle Research Articles

Achieving Sustainability in the Management of Natural Resources Given to a Concession

The sustainable management of resources is part of the strategic objectives of the European economic policy for the transition from a linear to a circular economy. One of its aspects, at the national level, is the protection of deposits of underground wealth and mineral waters on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria from depletion and improper exploitation. The purpose of the article is to present the main requirements for the users of this type of natural resources when granting concessions by the state, in order to determine whether there are mechanisms for achieving sustainability in their management. By studying the current legislation and analyzing data from the National Concession Register, the most frequently used practices for sustainable management of these valuable resources used for economic purposes are presented: establishment of environmental requirements; limiting the rights to extract and exploit the deposits to predetermined limits and volumes, for a certain period of time; requirements for preparation of work plans, reports and reporting documentation; delivery of the concession object in a condition suitable for subsequent operation; requirements for reclamation, enhanced administrative control, which covers the entire project cycle of realization of investments in the extraction of this type of resources, etc. As a result of the study, the article formulates recommendations for expanding the sustainability requirements and strengthening the control in their application. This will ensure a wider time horizon for their economic exploitation and will contribute to achieving one of the EU’s fundamental goals: to ensure suitable conditions for economic growth for future generations without resource dependence.

Integrated design and procurement strategy to achieve efficient performance in design and build government project

Design and procurement integration strategies in construction projects play an important role and have an impact on the overall project cycle. Integrated design and procurement will increase productivity and reduce waste. This research aims to provide a guide to good design and procurement integration strategies in Design and Build (DB) projects in government projects. This research uses qualitative and quantitative methods in the form of a schematic literature review followed by a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the Delphi method to formulate integrated design and procurement that improve project performance. In-depth interviews were conducted with 90 respondents to explore the implementation of the design and procurement strategy on the project used as a case study. The results of this research are recommendations for an integrated design and procurement strategy which can be used as a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in DB projects on government projects so that it can provide added value from the start of the project being designed through tenders. This research can be utilized by project stakeholders, academics and anyone who will develop project performance through the integrated design and procurement in the long term.

Modelling inter-relationships of barriers to smart construction implementation

Smart construction technology offers fresh avenues for advancing the field of civil engineering. It seamlessly integrates across the entire life cycle of civil engineering projects, encompassing planning, design, construction, and maintenance, thereby fundamentally reshaping the landscape of civil engineering development. Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that, presently, smart construction’s developmental stage remains relatively nascent. Its progression is subject to a myriad of adoption barriers, and the complex dynamics of their interactions remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, this study aims to (1) explore the barriers to the adoption of smart construction; (2) analyze the impact level of each barrier; and the interaction mechanism between the barriers (3) propose effective strategies to promote the development of smart construction. This study commences by identifying 16 major impediments to the adoption of smart construction through a comprehensive synthesis of existing literature and expert interviews. Subsequently, Euclidean similarity analysis is employed to harmonize varying expert assessments. Following this, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory model is utilized to ascertain the degree of influence associated with each barrier. Further, the Interpretive Structural Model is employed to establish a hierarchical framework that illuminates the interdependencies among these barriers. Additionally, the Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement method is invoked to elucidate the roles and statuses of each barrier. Finally, strategies are proposed based on the results of the analysis. This study offers practical strategies for overcoming barriers and driving the adoption of smart construction, filling a critical gap in understanding by identifying key barriers and providing actionable insights, thus significantly advancing the field and empowering stakeholders for successful implementation and dissemination.

The Doughnut Biotool: A tool to assess life-cycle biodiversity impacts from building projects

Abstract Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is widely used in certifications, regulations, and voluntary declarations covering the climate impact of buildings over their entire value chain. However, biodiversity impacts and other environmental impact categories are often disregarded. Conversely, there is a trend towards more systematic assessments of the biodiversity impacts that occur on-site as part of development projects (e.g. land transformation on the project site). However, off-site biodiversity impacts occurring throughout the rest of the value chain (e.g. from forestry activities, mining, manufacturing, heat and electricity production) are rarely considered. To bridge this gap, this article introduces the Doughnut Biotool, an open-source calculation tool to assess biodiversity impacts throughout the entire life cycle of development projects. The tool was initially developed to help implement Doughnut Economics and absolute sustainability principles in development projects. It constitutes a first step towards a better consideration of biodiversity impacts related to material- and energy use in building and construction projects. This paper presents the design of the tool and the method and data it relies on. The tool is applied to two separate case study projects, and used as a basis to discuss hotspots of biodiversity impacts within the building’s life cycle. Finally, the paper includes a discussion of the main challenges and opportunities for the future development and use of the tool, as well as for biodiversity impact assessments in the building sector as a whole.

How does Building Information Modeling influence decision-making process in the project design? Input, decision and output analysis.

Decision-making is critical throughout the entire project cycle, particularly during the project design stage, where the detailed concept is developed based on stakeholders’ requirements and project constraints. To improve project design, various digital technologies are employed to provide stakeholders with comprehensive data for informed decision-making. The paper aims to understand how BIM influence the decision-making process – input, decision and output - during the project design. More specifically, we aim to answer the following question: which decision-making challenges could restrict BIM benefits during the project design stage? Utilizing two embedded case studies and a focus group, we explore the perceived benefits and challenges of BIM in decision-making among project actors. This research contributes to the field of digital technologies in project management by highlighting specific benefits and challenges, such as decision validation and the transformation of decision makers’ roles. Our findings illustrate the interconnected nature of these benefits and challenges through the Input-Process-Output model. We specifically emphasize that the advantages of BIM in the decision-making process can be significantly affected if project organizations do not adapt the roles and competencies of decision makers to effectively utilize BIM. The use of BIM therefore brings novel decision-making challenges, which are presented in the discussion.

Perencanaan Ulang Bangunan Gedung Dormitory Kawasan Sains dan Teknologi (KST) Nuklir Yogyakarta Berbasis Building Information Modelling (BIM) 5D

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a method of processing data during the life cycle of a construction project that uses three-dimensional, real-time, and dynamic building modeling software, thereby creating a complete model related to project data from the planning to the construction phase of the project. In the re-planning of the Yogyakarta Nuclear Science and Technology (KST) Dormitory Building based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) 5D, a special moment resisting frame system (SRPMK) structure was used. The planned building consists of 7 floors, including the lower structure consisting of a 50x50 square pile foundation and five types of pile cap, the upper structure consisting of columns, beams, and floor plates. The quality of concrete in the structure used is fc' 40 Mpa and 35 Mpa with reinforcing steel quality fy 420B. In this planning, 2D and 3D modeling was carried out. Structural analysis was carried out using the SAP2000 application, which was then continued with 2D 3D modeling and Quantity take-off results using Revit and Scheduling using Ms. Projects. The Draft Budget (RAB) results for this planning are Rp. 37,691,368,000.00. The planned duration of work is 26 weeks. The results of the scheduling and RAB are then integrated using the Naviswork software so that the simulation results of the work to be planned can be seen.

ENHANCING PERFORMANCE OF MANGO FARMING PROJECTS THROUGH PARTICIPATORY PROJECT MANAGMENT

Objective: This paper advocates for a paradigm shift from the traditional project management to a participatory approach throughout the management cycle, for increased performance of mango farming projects. Theoretical Framework: Theories adopted: i. Project Management Theory: Highlights life cycle stages in uncovering new project insights. ii. Stakeholder Theory: Highlights the unity of stakeholders for enhanced involvement in projects. iii. Participation Ladder Theory: Enhances success through active participation. iv. Theory of Constraints: Confronts project challenges related to time, cost, and scope to achieve beneficial changes. Method: The empirical study was carried out in Makueni County, Kenya. It used descriptive cross-sectional design and multistage rsampling on a population of 12,622, out of which a sample of 375 respondnets selected. Of these, 369 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. Additionally, it involved 15 key informants. Observation and an interview guides collected qualitative data. Descriptive and inferential tools, correlation, F-tests, regression and content analysis analyzed quantitative and qualitative data. Results and Discussion: Results reflected item scores showing the composite mean of 3.2 and standard deviation of 3.0. Revealed is a significant positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.592), p-value (p = 0.000) of the relationship between two variables. Research Implications: This study recommends adopting a participatory project cycle approach, supported by a feasible policy, to guide innovative mango farming practices to enhance the overall performance. Originality/Value: The study contributes to literature by advocating project management cycle approach on performance of mango projects in today’s evolving project environment.

Progress Toward Achieving National HIV/AIDS Strategy Goals for Quality of Life Among Persons Aged ≥50 Years with Diagnosed HIV - Medical Monitoring Project, United States, 2017-2023.

Ensuring good quality of life (QoL) among persons with diagnosed HIV (PWH) is a priority of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS), which established 2025 goals for improving QoL. Goals are monitored through five indicators: self-rated health, unmet needs for mental health services, unemployment, hunger or food insecurity, and unstable housing or homelessness. Among the growing population of PWH aged ≥50 years, progress toward these goals has not been assessed. Data collected during the 2017-2022 cycles of the Medical Monitoring Project, an annual complex sample survey of U.S. adults with diagnosed HIV, assessed progress toward NHAS 2025 QoL goals among PWH aged ≥50 years, overall and by age group. The recent estimated annual percentage change from baseline (2017 or 2018) to 2022 was calculated for each indicator. Among PWH aged ≥50 years, the 2025 goal of 95% PWH with good or better self-rated health is 46.2% higher than the 2022 estimate. The 2025 goals of a 50% reduction in the other indicators range from 26.3% to 56.3% lower than the 2022 estimates. Decreasing hunger or food insecurity by 50% among PWH aged ≥65 was the only goal met by 2022. If recent trends continue, other NHAS QoL 2025 goals are unlikely to be met. Multisectoral strategies to improve access to housing, employment, food, and mental health will be needed to meet NHAS 2025 goals for QoL among older PWH.

It’s About Time! Understanding the Dynamic Team Process-Performance Relationship Using Micro- and Macroscale Time Lenses

Although team processes are conceptualized as temporal phenomena, our theoretical understanding of their unfolding over time is underdeveloped, particularly when “zooming in and out” into their dynamics using different temporal lenses. Team processes might unfold differently over extended project cycles (i.e., macroscale time lens) versus over brief events (microscale time lens). Our goal was to better understand temporal changes of three critical higher-order team processes (i.e., transition, action, and interpersonal processes) over both extended periods (i.e., longer project cycles) and brief time spans (i.e., recurring stand-up meetings). Focusing on two agile software teams, we indexed team processes across these two time spans using computer-aided text analysis (CATA) of meeting transcripts. Macroscale time span processes were captured across 10 sprints (30-week project cycle). Microscale time spans were captured with data from brief stand-up meetings (i.e., using 10 equidistant time intervals from 40 meetings). From a macroscale time lens (i.e., project cycle), an increase in action processes in the early project phase was associated with increases in performance. From a microscale time lens, changes in transition and interpersonal processes around mid-meeting phases were associated with differences in performance. Qualitative analyses of meeting midpoints revealed key differences in proactive planning and interpersonal processes. We discuss how our results provide novel insights for team process dynamics in relation to micro- and macroscale time spans.

Digital Twins and Civil Engineering Phases: Reorienting Adoption Strategies

Abstract Digital twin (DT) technology has received immense attention over the years due to the promises it presents to various stakeholders in science and engineering. As a result, different thematic areas of DT have been explored. This is no different in specific fields such as manufacturing, automation, oil and gas, and civil engineering, leading to fragmented approaches for field-specific applications. The civil engineering industry is further disadvantaged in this regard as it relies on external techniques by other engineering fields for its DT adoption. A rising consequence of these extensions is a concentrated application of DT to the operations and maintenance phase. On another spectrum, building information modeling (BIM) is pervasively utilized in the planning/design phase, and the transient nature of the construction phase remains a challenge for its DT adoption. In this article, we present a phase-based development of DT in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. We commence by presenting succinct expositions on DT as a concept and as a service, and establish a five-level scale system. Furthermore, we present separately a systematic literature review of the conventional techniques employed at each civil engineering phase. In this regard, we identified enabling technologies such as computer vision for extended sensing and the Internet of things for reliable integration. Ultimately, we attempt to reveal DT as an important tool across the entire life cycle of civil engineering projects, and nudge researchers to think more holistically in their quest for the integration of DT for civil engineering applications.

Sustainable Manufacturing Practices in the Hydropower Industry: A review

Abstract Hydropower is a crucial source of renewable energy in the ever-changing world, contributing significantly to global electricity generation. As the world focuses more on sustainability, the manufacturing processes within the hydropower industry have undergone considerable transformations to align with eco-friendly practices. This review explores the landscape of sustainable manufacturing practices implemented in the hydropower sector, examining the various strategies, technologies, and initiatives adopted to minimize environmental impact while enhancing efficiency of the project. The review encompasses the significance of sustainable materials and manufacturing techniques within the context of hydropower, highlighting the industry’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. It consists of the utilization of advanced materials and technologies aimed at optimizing the manufacturing processes, enhancing the durability and efficiency of hydropower components, and reducing resource consumption. Also, the review highlights the adoption of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies in the development and manufacturing phases of hydropower components. These practices facilitate the evaluation of environmental impacts across the entire life cycle of hydropower projects. Furthermore, the review discusses about the implementation of innovative approaches such as Additive manufacturing and CNC machining process as well as casting methods, streamlining production while minimizing waste generation and energy consumption. It also includes the case study of best practices that are prevalent in the context of sustainable manufacturing Additionally, the review examines the role of regulatory frameworks, standards, and certifications in driving sustainable manufacturing practices within the hydropower industry scenario in the world. It also outlines potential future directions to further enhance sustainability in hydropower manufacturing.

An explainable artificial intelligence model for predictive maintenance and spare parts optimization

Maintenance strategies are vital for industrial and manufacturing systems. This study considers a proactive maintenance strategy and emphasizes using analytics and data science. We propose an Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) methodology for predictive maintenance. The proposed method utilizes a machine learning project cycle and Python libraries to interpret the results using the Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME) method. We also introduce an early concept of spare parts management, presenting insights from predictive maintenance outcomes and providing explanations for decision-makers to enhance their understanding of the influential factors behind predictions. This study demonstrates that utilizing machine learning models in predictive maintenance is highly beneficial; however, the binary outcomes of these models can be misunderstood by decision-makers. Detailed explanations provided to decision-makers will directly impact maintenance decisions and improve spare part management.

Systematic literature review of BIM application in the whole life cycle of green building projects

ABSTRACT Building information modelling (BIM), as an effective digital method of information representation in the field of construction engineering, helps to deal with a series of works including design optimization, construction planning, and facility management. BIM enhances sustainability through energy simulations, material selection, waste reduction, and energy monitoring. However, challenges like talent shortage, interoperability issues, data management, and lack of standardization hinder its widespread use. Current research lacks systematic exploration of BIM's application in green buildings' life cycle, limiting further development. To fill this research gap, this study aims to provide a systematic review of the application of BIM in the design, construction and operation stages of the whole life cycle of green buildings. As a guideline to conduct this research, the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) model are used to identify the main procedures for literature screening and review. Through the systematic review, the main applications of BIM technology in green buildings are summarized, while the challenges in the current applications and the corresponding solutions are discussed. Finally, the study proposes key points for the future development of BIM to help the construction industry truly realize the development of man and nature and harmony and greenery.

Citizen science and science communication: toward a more inclusive pattern?

Despite research calls in citizen science and science communication for more participatory approaches, practical attempts are uncommon. This practice insight focuses on a significant barrier to adopting a participatory approach — the lack of inclusion. In this project, I identified the barriers and determinants of inclusion through a literature review, and then I developed and tested a framework applicable to participatory science communication projects to determine if projects recognise and address inclusion considerations. I successfully tested the framework using reports from a European citizen science project. By considering inclusion criteria as essential for participatory science communication, this framework may help practitioners account for inclusion considerations during the design and monitoring stages of the project cycle.

A complete lean system design for team-oriented product development projects

PurposeThe inherent variability on process times and demand are the factors that prevent the efficient application of lean philosophy in multi-project product development (PD) environments. Considering this variability, a hybrid push–pull project control system is developed, and value stream costing (VSC) analysis is performed to reflect the relation between project lead time, capacity and project cost. The assessment of the push/pull project control on lead time improvement and long-term savings on capacity have been aimed with the proposed complete design structure.Design/methodology/approachIn a team-based structure, formed through clustering, push control techniques for planning tasks within cross-functional teams and pull control techniques for planning tasks between cross-functional teams are developed. The final step evaluates the proposed structure through VSC and long-term savings have been pointed out, especially in terms of freed-up capacity. For the validation of the proposed methodology, an office furniture manufacturing firm’s PD department has been considered and the performance of the hybrid system has been observed through simulation experiments and based on the simulation results, the lean system is evaluated by VSC.FindingsThe results of simulation experiments show a superior performance of the proposed hybrid push/pull project control mechanism under different settings of cycle time between projects or shortly project cycle time, dispatching rules within teams and variability levels. The results of the Box-Score (tool to apply VSC) indicate increased capacity in the long term to add extra projects during the planning period with the same project lead time and without additional cost.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough extensive simulation experiments have been performed to quantify the effect of project control structure and positive results have been reported on lead time and cost, the proposed design structure has not been tested in all existing PD environments.Originality/valueTo the best of authors’ knowledge, the quantification of the effect of hybrid project control with VSC is the first attempt to be applied in lean PD projects.

Implementation of artificial intelligence methods to the processes of automated metrics forecasting for software systems development projects

The subject matter of the article is the process of automated forecasting of project metrics for software development projects that are typically subject to evaluation. It also covers AI methods and models that can be used to generate basic roadmap templates and operational work lists, as well as alternative estimates depending on the context. The goal of the work is to study the foundations of creating a system for automated predicting of alternative evaluations of a software product. The following tasks were solved in the article: determining the stages of evaluation related to the assessment of alternatives in the life cycle of a software development project; investigating the problems of predicting and the main factors affecting the final indicators; exploring predicting methods that can be used to implement multivariate assessment of a software development project. The following methods are used: methods for evaluating and predicting labor costs in software development projects, machine and deep learning, and assessing their effectiveness for solving the prediction problem. The following results were obtained: the conceptual foundations for creating automated evaluation and prediction systems based on the analysis of the effectiveness of selected machine learning models were determined, the areas of application for artificial intelligence methods in the process of evaluating software development project indicators were identified, the performance indicators of various machine learning models were assessed based on certain model evaluation parameters that characterize prediction accuracy; a conceptual architecture of a project roadmap generation software tool based on the GPT language model was proposed. Conclusions: the use of machine and deep learning methods can improve the accuracy of predictions for key project indicators, provide the possibility of flexible generation of various alternative roadmap templates and operational work lists, making the planning and management process more efficient and transparent under conditions of high uncertainty of project requirements.

Strategy of the cyber-physical system for the small business enterprise guaranteed functioning with the digital twin support

The article presents a strategy of the cyber-physical system guaranteed functioning for a small business enterprise (SBE), which is ensured by maintaining the digital twin and is due to its extremely high relevance in modern conditions. Business processes are linked to Industry 4.0 competencies. One of the innovations it implements is Digital Twin, a comprehensive facility support tool. Digital twin allows for tracking and effectively managing the entire cycle of an infrastructure project, from planning, procurement, and production to commissioning and maintenance of the facility. PEST, SWOT, SAW, TOPSIS, and VIKOR methods are used to build a strategy.

The short-term intermittency evaluation of distributed photovoltaic power

Uncertainty of distributed photovoltaic(PV) power brings great challenges to the safe and stable operation of power system, in which the intermittency problem is more challenging than the fluctuation. This paper focuses on the intermittency problem of distributed PV power, firstly, an intermittency evaluation method based on generalized extreme value(GEV) theory is proposed to solve the problem of the lack of "small-sample big-gap" events. Secondly, focusing on high risk events such as high-frequency and warning mutation events, probabilistic evaluation indexes were established, including T-hour-period mutation intensity and T-hour-period mutation frequency. Finally, a two-dimensional joint probability distribution of intermittency elements is established, and the concepts of return period and return level are introduced into the photovoltaic field to provide data support for the configuration of energy storage capacity and duration, and to provide auxiliary decision-making for the execution time and development cycle of interactive projects. The proposed method provides a solution for intermittency evaluation in small sample status quo with strong data compatibility and engineering replicability.

USING NEURAL NETWORK TECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

The article discusses the basics of using neural networks in the activities of construction organizations. The main goal of the study was to substantiate the advantages and prospects of using neural networks in the construction industry. As part of the study, the essence of this variant of machine learning was initially determined, their classical architecture was justified, key elements were identified, and the principle of operation was described. Subsequently, options for using neural networks within the construction industry were systematized (design of construction projects, analysis of costs for the implementation of construction projects, management of construction projects, monitoring of labor and equipment productivity, assessment of the quality of materials used and inventory management, ensuring energy efficiency, risk analysis and ensuring the safety of work performed, etc.) and a distinction was made between the areas of application of neural networks within the stages of the life cycle of construction projects, which formed the basis of scientific novelty. The results of the study can be applied in the activities of construction organizations to increase the efficiency of work carried out at various stages of construction.

Life After the Cultural Pavilions in Colombia: Circular Approach Strategies for Extending Useful Life Cycles and The Social Potential of Re-use

Pavilions are temporary structures designed for large events and experimentation spaces, which have seen technical developments and shown cultural representations on a global scale. However, given their life cycles and the lineal production model in which they are made, their dismantling tends to mean wasted materials and wasted re-use potential. In Colombia, pavilions are recognized as an accessible and adaptable opportunity for expanding cultural presence in different contexts. Based on this premise, this investigation uses design strategies developed in the 2018-2023 Yemail Arquitectura study aimed at extending the life cycle of temporary projects, from conception to re-use.