Engineering Project Management Research Articles

Enhancing Project Citizenship Behavior by Psychological Empowerment: Roles of Work Engagement and Perceived Organizational Support

Increasing evidence suggests that project citizenship behaviors (PCBs) are critical to project success. However, the mechanisms that enhance PCBs remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the role of individual psychological states. Based on self-determination theory, this study investigated how and when the psychological empowerment of information technology (IT) project managers affects their PCBs. Data were collected in two waves of time-lagged surveys (N = 283). Research hypotheses were tested by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). It was found that psychological empowerment positively predicts PCBs, and work engagement plays a partial mediating role. Results of necessary condition analysis (NCA) provide additional evidence for this. Moreover, perceived organizational support strengthened the relationships between work engagement and two types of PCBs (i.e., loyalty behavior and initiative behavior), but did not significantly moderate the relationships between work engagement and the other two types of PCBs (i.e., helping behavior and compliance behavior). This study enriches the literature on PCB antecedents and expands the application of self-determination theory in project management.

Time Programs and their Impact on Engineering Project Management

Time Programs and their Impact on Engineering Project Management

Construction of Evaluation Indicator System for Acceptance of Soft Science and Technology Projects in Tobacco Industry based on OKR

Soft science and technology projects are one of the basic organizational forms of scientific and technological activities, being the process of generating, accumulating, and applying new knowledge.The evaluation of science and technology project is a key stage in the process of science and technology project management. In the new development stage, it is urgent to speed up the formation of a comprehensive innovative management system. Constructing an acceptance evaluation indicator system of soft science and technology projects is an important link to deepen the management of science and technology projects. Based on the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) method and combined with the characteristics of soft science projects, the acceptance evaluation objectives such as schedule, quality, cost, and team management are proposed. The evaluation objectives are transformed into quantifiable key outcome indicators, and a system of evaluation indicators for soft science and technology project acceptance in tobacco industry is constructed. Field research is carried out in the tobacco industry, using the entropy value method to assign weights to the evaluation indicators, with a view to providing a decision-making basis for the acceptance evaluation of the scientific and technological project management departments, and accelerating the formation of new quality productivity in the tobacco industry.

Study on the Characteristics and Operational Mechanisms of Industry–University–Research Collaborative Innovation in Megaprojects: The Case from China

Megaproject construction endeavors and technological innovation activities, led by industry–university–research (IUR) collaboration, demonstrate marked disparities in value orientations, implementing entities, and constituent components. These discrepancies lead to a mismatch between innovation demands and actual activities, as well as insufficient innovation motivation among construction entities, subsequently impacting innovation effectiveness and the commercialization of outcomes and failing to adequately support engineering construction needs. In response to this predicament, the academic community widely acknowledges IUR collaborative innovation as a solution. This research integrates fundamental theoretical analysis with a multi-case study approach and systematically dissects the distinctive features at the micro, meso, and macro levels, grounded in the collaborative innovation practices of IUR in three iconic railway engineering projects in China. Subsequently, it unravels the inherent operational mechanics of the IUR collaborative innovation system within large-scale projects. Specifically, at the micro level, the profound engagement of governments and project owners fosters a solid supportive environment and collaborative platform for IUR collaboration, while past successful cooperation experiences among key innovation entities enhance their technological and knowledge interactions. At the meso level, shared industry cognitions and values, hierarchical organizational structures, flexible institutional designs, and resource allocation strategies based on balancing risks and benefits collectively constitute the supporting system for megaproject collaborative innovation. At the macro level, the tight integration of the innovation chain and industrial chain promotes the formation of an open cooperation ecosystem, ensuring the continuity and systematic nature of innovation activities and accelerating the rapid commercialization and efficient utilization of innovation outcomes. This study not only enriches the theoretical connotations of IUR collaborative innovation in the context of major engineering projects but also provides theoretical foundations for strategy formulation and management practices for major project managers, holding significant value in guiding the innovation management of future major engineering projects.

The innovation of engineering project management in the context of big data

ABSTRACT With the development of China’s economy and society, the society continues to move forward. Related to this, the scale of China’s engineering construction is also increasing. With the development of the times and the continuous growth of demand, the complexity and specialisation of engineering projects continue to improve. This has put forward more stringent requirements for the construction of engineering projects. As the traditional engineering project construction management in China, the innovation is mainly through the practice of construction projects and the research of the engineering problems that arise. So, in today’s environment of big data background, the innovation of construction project management is to combine with the actual situation of construction projects, from the construction characteristics of the project, using a variety of advanced scientific technology, for the project data collection, calculation and storage applications and other aspects of optimisation and innovation, so that more convenient to achieve The modern construction engineering project management innovation work of diversified needs, for the final completion of the entire construction project can be expected to provide a strong guarantee and support the comprehensive benefits of the goal. The results show that our innovative scheme outperforms other comparative methods and achieves a 23% improvement in project management efficiency.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN CIVIL SERVICE: EXPERIENCES FROM EURASIAN UNION COUNTRIES

According to the International Project Management Association (IPMA), the widespread use of modern project management technologies can save approximately 20-30% of time and about 15-20% of budget funds [1]. Global challenges, world trends, and internal demands compel governments to study and adopt each other's experiences, considering national characteristics. Migration processes and the outflow of professional personnel contribute to competition between neighboring countries, which strive to offer better and more flexible working conditions to attract talent. Project management tools and methodologies are valuable resources for enhancing the efficiency of civil servants. These tools help in planning, monitoring, and controlling projects to meet objectives within time, cost, and quality parameters [2].However, the civil service today remains quite bureaucratic in this respect. Project management is primarily used to implement national projects, and professionals are often contracted only to address urgent and complex problems. There is frequently a lack of knowledge transfer and preservation of institutional memory. Moreover, hiring highly paid specialists on a continual basis contradicts the project management principle of budget discipline.Public sector projects often face unique challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, corruption, and complex stakeholder management. Effective project management can help mitigate these issues by ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient use of resources [3, 4]. However, modern scientific research in this area often highlights several obstacles to the effective implementation of the project approach within executive authorities. In international studies, the importance of thorough planning, a clear understanding of the process matrix, and the involvement of stakeholders in project management is emphasized [5]. This, in turn, is closely linked to personnel issues [6]. The challenges of implementing project management in government agencies stem from bureaucratic regulations, insufficient flexibility, and resistance to change from specialists. Therefore, this topic is of significant interest for its potential impact on our country. Project management in the public administration system has been understudied in the post-Soviet space. Since 2016-2017, there has been an increase in publications on project management in these countries, although contract service remains an insufficiently explored issue. The relevance, novelty, and practical significance of this topic have underscored the necessity of conducting this study.

Artificial Intelligence for Enhancing Engineering Project Management During Emergencies: Perception-based Analysis

Purpose: The research studies the impact of various Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools on engineering project management and describes how they affect management success during emergencies in the Ukrainian context. Special attention is paid to the skills comprising AI readiness among engineers and their formation in the system of continuous education. Methodology/Approach: The study employed a perception-based analysis and applied the social cognitive theory and expectancy theory, enabling structured opinion-based questionnaires on Likert scales and assessing engineering project success after the introduction of AI tools. The research involved 96 engineers with diverse roles and expertise representing civil engineering companies or military organisations. Findings: The research explained the peculiarities of some challenges hindering engineering project management and defined traditional, agile, and hybrid engineering project management used during emergencies. 25 AI tools were outlined, and their impact on project success was revealed. The category of AI readiness was described, and its components were presented. Research Limitation/implication: Since the perception-based analysis relies on subjective views, it may not fully present the objective evaluation of AI tools in engineering project management during emergencies. The findings can be used to improve engineers' training programs by integrating AI-focused modules. Originality/Value of paper: The research provides a context-specific understanding of how AI can be applied to the unique challenges faced in Ukraine.

Research on Risk Management of Engineering Projects Based on Building Information Model (BIM) Technology

With the rapid development of the construction industry, the application of BIM technology has gradually become key to improving the efficiency of construction management. This paper, focusing on the issues existing in the risk management of engineering projects, conducts research and discussion based on BIM technology. Through in-depth analysis of the application of BIM technology in the risk management of engineering projects, combined with case studies, the advantages and roles of BIM technology in risk management are explored. The research results show that the application of BIM technology can effectively improve the efficiency and accuracy of engineering project risk management, reduce the possibility of risk occurrence, and provide important support for the smooth implementation of engineering projects. This paper also discusses the specific application of BIM technology in risk management and analyzes and proposes solutions to the challenges that may be encountered in the implementation process. Through the research of this paper, BIM technology provides good ideas and methods for the risk management of engineering projects and has a certain reference value for improving the management level of engineering projects and ensuring the smooth implementation of engineering projects.

Digital Twin Technology, Predictive Analytics, and Sustainable Project Management in Global Supply Chains for Risk Mitigation, Optimization, and Carbon Footprint Reduction through Green Initiatives

This review explores the integration of digital twin technology, predictive analytics, and sustainable project management to enhance global supply chain efficiency, resilience, and environmental sustainability. Digital twins provide real-time virtual representations of physical supply chain systems, enabling predictive analytics to identify potential disruptions and optimize decision-making processes. By combining these advanced technologies with sustainable project management practices, such as circular supply chains and green logistics, organizations can proactively address risks while reducing their carbon footprint. The focus on data- driven insights and scenario analysis facilitates informed risk mitigation and resource optimization. The integration of frameworks like the Triple Bottom Line emphasizes the importance of balancing economic, social, and environmental objectives in project management. This approach aims to improve supply chain performance, drive sustainability efforts, and create a resilient logistics network that adapts effectively to market uncertainties and environmental challenges.

Analyzing Lean Six Sigma Practices In Engineering Project Management: A Comparative Analysis

Engineering project management has an emerging critical methodology called Lean Six Sigma that attempts to significantly improve the operational excellence of engineering projects. It provides a critical, structured approach toward leveraging the principles of waste reduction in Lean with data-driven problem-solving skills in Six Sigma. The present study reviews the practical application of LSS practices for the purpose of improving the outcomes of engineering project management in the context of defect reduction, process optimization, and operational efficiency. This paper examines the methods of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) interventions in engineering project management, with reference to defect management, resource utilization, and the efficiency of the production line. Focusing on results-oriented applications of LSS concepts, the paper uses various datasets, including manufacturing flaws, upkeep schedules, and quality assurance indices, to assess the effectiveness of their application in project settings. More particularly, this paper explores the ways through which Lean Six Sigma, with emphasis on the DMAIC framework (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), can improve project effectiveness by reducing defects and optimizing resource consumption. Examining the data on production and the frequency of defects the paper reveals how LSS methods help in analyzing the inefficiencies in the systems, improving the production processes and resulting in the cost cutting exercise. To reap the benefits of LSS, you get process improvements that help to ensure there is a cut on wastage and defects leading to increased customer satisfaction and better project outcome. The results reaffirm the significance of PA within LSS and recommend implementing it in project management frameworks to approach possible defects and operational issues. The study demonstrates how Lean Six Sigma methodologies can be a roadmap for CI, thus proving how the methodologies could be of importance to engineers in achieving improvement across their projects. LSS can impact the quality of engineering projects through improvement of defect rates while at the same time the operational cost is reduced and efficiency of project timelines is enhanced hence leading to improved quality and efficiency in terms of financial performance. This study offers important findings that can help engineering managers understand how the use of big data analytics resources can bring considerable improvements to the organization’s performance, productivity, and overall performance comparative to rivals. Comparing the findings, LSS is identified as an essential enabler of cultural change and providing value through better project outcomes and sustainable performance improvement.

Sustainability in Project Management: Factors That Play a Pivotal Role in Influencing Adoption of Sustainability Practices in IT Projects.

In today's competitive business landscape, sustainability has become a crucial element of strategic and competitive advantage, particularly in the management of IT projects. As organizations increasingly acknowledge the importance of sustainable development, it is essential to understand the factors that drive the incorporation of sustainability into project management practices. This research paper aims to explore the key factors influencing the adoption of sustainability practices in information technology (IT) project management. It seeks to provide insights into the drivers of integrating sustainability into project management. The study investigates the various factors that influence sustainability in IT project management and examines the barriers to its adoption. It employs a combination of literature review, and data analysis to identify the primary drivers and obstacles. The findings reveal key factors influencing sustainability practices in IT project management, including organizational culture, stakeholder pressure, regulatory requirements, and long-term cost efficiency. The barriers identified include lack of awareness, resistance to change, and limited resources.

Project Team Rewards and Performance of Information Technology-Based Projects in Commercial Banks in Kenya

Purpose: The expected outcome of projects is to achieve a positive performance consistently. Yet, there is no agreed definition of project performance, which complicates the achievement of the purpose. Projects in Kenya are mostly complex and difficult to manage and project team management practices are mostly used in projects for effective functioning. However, project managers in Kenya have been focusing on technical constraints of projects and neglecting project teams’ related constraints. The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of project team rewards on project performance in commercial banks in Kenya. Methods: The study adopted a pragmatic research approach. A cross-sectional study design and explanatory research design were adopted in the study. The unit of analysis was 429 projects in the 39 commercial banks operating in Kenya as of close of business on 31st December 2020 categorized into 20 types of Information technology projects. The target population was 195 Information Technology project managers as well as 78 staff working in human resource department, 78 staff working in finance department, and 78 staff working in operations departments in the 39 commercial banks operating in Kenya. The study used stratified random sampling to choose 206 respondents from the study population. Secondary and primary data was employed in this study. Annual reports of commercial banks provided secondary data. In addition, a semi-structured questionnaire was adopted to obtain data. Qualitative data, which was obtained from open-ended questions, was analyzed by use of thematic analysis, and the results were presented in a descriptive form. Inferential and descriptive statistics will be used to analyze quantitative data with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 26). Descriptive statistics included frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation, and percentages. Inferential statistics included univariate regression analysis and Pearson correlation. Results: The study found that project team rewards had a significant effect on performance of information technology-based projects in commercial banks in Kenya. Conclusion: The study recommends that commercial banks should also diversify and strengthen their reward structures to better align with team members’ contributions and achievements. They should further strengthen their recognition and promotion programs to ensure that these elements are consistently applied and effectively contribute to team performance.

Green Risk Management: Integrating Sustainability into IT Project Management

This paper aims to explore the significance of incorporating sustainability principles into risk management processes within the field of information technology project management. As IT projects grow in complexity and scale, traditional risk management approaches may prove inadequate in addressing environmental and social responsibilities. Through a comprehensive review of existing research, this study emphasizes the necessity of a sustainability-oriented risk management framework. The proposed framework seeks to balance technological advancement with environmental stewardship as well as social responsibility, aligning the outcomes of IT projects with broader sustainability objectives. The paper explores potential obstacles and advantages, providing valuable insights into how the implementation of sustainable risk management can contribute to the development of more resilient, responsible, and futureoriented IT projects.

Leveraging Contemporary Project Management Techniques and Technology for Sustainable Telecommunications Advancement in Yemen

The digital techniques and technology have transformed formal project management field dramatically by enhancing communication, resource management and efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of contemporary project management methodologies in promoting and facilitating sustainable development within the telecommunications sector in Yemen. Situated within the broader discourse on achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the research employs a mixed methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was collected through a survey of 150 professionals across major telecommunications firms in Yemen. The survey examined familiarity and application of techniques and technology such as waterfall, agile, six sigma, and lean. Qualitative insights were derived from 22 in-depth interviews with project managers and stakeholders. The findings of the study indicate that there is a narrow scope for integrating sustainability in Yemen’s telecommunications sector projects. Despite the research indicating a considerable level of awareness and utilization of contemporary methodologies, the integration of sustainability objectives varies considerably between projects. While numerous projects adopt environmental sustainability strategies, such as enhancing energy efficiency to reduce environmental impact and minimize carbon emissions, they lack comprehensive sustainability strategies that encompass economic, social, and environmental aspects in an integrated manner. The qualitative interviews yielded insights into the significant challenges to sustainable implementation, including insufficient training, organizational obstacles, and the effects of the ongoing conflict. In light of these findings, the paper addresses these challenges and provides recommendations and effective strategies to overcome them.

Using kanban board for forming social time management skills of future IT specialists

For the professional development of students studying in information technology areas, it is important to develop social time management skills, i.e. skills in organizing well-coordinated teamwork and optimal distribution of responsibilities between team members with minimal time to achieve a common goal. The article aims to substantiate and elaborate methodological recommendations for developing social time management skills using kanban technology in organizing team activities of future IT specialists. Criteria for assessing the development of social time management skills are proposed. The article points out the necessity of including kanban project management technology not only as training content but also as a way to optimize time resources when performing team training projects.The article describes an experiment on teamwork organization of Nizhny Tagil State Socio-Pedagogical Institute (branch) of Russian State Vocational Pedagogical University students. At the initial stage, the determination of the level of formation of social time management skills among 2nd year students in the process of completing a project assignment on software product development was carried out within the discipline “High-level methods of informatics and programming” without the use of time management technologies. The results of this stage showed the need to develop time management skills of future IT specialists in the process of teamwork. Recommendations for organizing student teamwork when using project time management technologies using a kanban board were formulated, which will allow students to develop social time management skills.The next stage of the experiment was the organization of students’ teamwork using flexible project management methodology (kanban technology): taking into account the proposed recommendations in the experimental group, without the use of time management technologies in the control group. The results of the pedagogical experiment showed the expediency of following the proposed methodological recommendations.

Development and implementation of cost control strategies in oil and gas engineering projects

This review delves into the development and implementation of cost control strategies in oil and gas engineering projects, an area critical for maintaining project viability and profitability amidst fluctuating market conditions. Effective cost control is essential in the oil and gas sector, where projects are often capital-intensive and subject to economic and operational uncertainties. This review examines various cost control methodologies and their application throughout the project lifecycle, from initial planning and budgeting to execution and closure. The paper highlights key cost control strategies, including detailed project cost estimation, budget forecasting, and variance analysis. It discusses the use of advanced project management tools and technologies, such as software for real-time cost tracking and predictive analytics, which enhance decision-making and financial oversight. The review also covers the importance of risk management practices in identifying and mitigating potential cost overruns, emphasizing the role of contingency planning and risk assessment in maintaining financial control. Case studies demonstrate how successful implementation of these strategies can lead to significant cost savings, improved project efficiency, and enhanced financial performance. The challenges associated with cost control, including dealing with unexpected price fluctuations, scope changes, and regulatory compliance issues, are also addressed. Solutions to these challenges, such as adopting flexible budgeting techniques and leveraging data-driven insights, are discussed. The review concludes with recommendations for refining cost control practices in oil and gas engineering projects, including the need for continuous monitoring and adjustment of cost control measures, integrating cost management with overall project strategy, and fostering collaboration among project stakeholders to ensure alignment and accountability.

Research on Refined Management and Project Risk Control Strategies in Whole Process Engineering Consultation

Whole Process Engineering Consultation (WPEC) plays an increasingly vital role in modern engineering project management. It not only encompasses the entire project lifecycle from planning and design to implementation and operation but also significantly enhances project efficiency, reduces costs, and mitigates risks. As the complexity of engineering projects grows, refined management emerges as a crucial method for achieving efficient project management. This paper explores the application of refined management in WPEC and analyzes its role in project risk control through real-case studies. By delving into the principles of refined management, management tools, and risk control strategies, this study proposes an integrated approach to optimize project management processes and improve project success rates. Additionally, it discusses the impact of emerging technologies on refined management and risk control, providing insights into future development trends. The aim is to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for engineering project management, ensuring efficient management and risk control.

Assessing the Impact of Climate Comfort on Labor Productivity in Hydropower Engineering Construction in Southwest China

Labor productivity exerts a significant influence on the construction cycle and investment in hydropower projects. Consequently, it is a crucial factor in the estimation of the cost of hydropower project construction. The mechanisms that are modulated by subjective factors have been extensively studied. However, the assessment of labor productivity in objective environments with regular changes is usually considered using a single factor, especially in special environments where the influence of environmental factors is of greater concern. As the most extensive region of China’s water-energy resources, the Southwest region has a lengthy tradition of using altitude or oxygen as an inherent criterion for the assessment of labor productivity. However, the applicability of inherent standards is limited. Therefore, we tried to assess the spatial and temporal changes in labor productivity based on the changes in meteorological conditions in Southwest China, employing climate comfort indicators in this study. The result identified five distinct regions of climate change in Southwest China (R-I to R-V). In particular, there is minimal variation in labor productivity as assessed by climate comfort indicators and the elevation between R-I and R-II. R-III and R-IV are influenced by oxygen, temperature, and humidity, while R-V is affected by a multitude of factors. Our findings indicate that temporal and spatial variations in meteorological conditions can result in up to a threefold difference in productivity at the same altitude in different regions. Importantly, our study provides valuable theoretical insights for engineering project management. In particular, it can be concluded that altitude is not a reliable indicator for evaluating labor productivity in high-altitude construction.

Exploring the Mitigation Actions of the Epidemic Impacts on Construction Projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background The construction industry has an important role in the economy of countries, as the construction industry represents 6.1 percent of the gross domestic product in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A global disaster such as an epidemic causes long-term damage to society, the economy, and related industries. The recent COVID-19 epidemic is one of such disasters. The construction industry was greatly affected by the epidemic globally, as well as in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods This research aims to determine the impact of the epidemic on construction projects and shed light on the actions taken to mitigate the impact of the epidemic through a multiple case study of three construction projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were conducted with professionals in these projects. Descriptive analysis and the Relative Importance Index (RII) were used. Results The impact was of high importance on the project time throughout all projects, especially on the project schedule; the RII value was the maximum. Secondly for material delivery within time ranged from 0.8 – 0.91 for RII value and in terms of the mitigation actions taken, communication between project management and employees witnessed maximum effectiveness reached to 83% of participants reported a very effective response, with the help of modern technologies. Most factors ranged from limited effectiveness to ineffective. Conclusion This research contributes to determine the effects of the epidemic and the actions taken to mitigate it, which benefits the organizations and stakeholders in the field of construction and engineering project management, to develop and improve actions, and to prepare and plan for similar circumstances in the future.

Role of Engineering Project Management in Successful Project Completion Globally

In the globalization era, the radical progress in technical and digital system are causing rapid progress of public and private organizations as well as the structural complexity of managing projects in the engineering field. The present study focuses to review the role of engineering project management skills in managing a project for successful completion. Various literature related to the study topic has been reviewed systematically. The various factors responsible for successful completion of a project are framed as a model which would be useful for the engineers as well as other project managers or leaders as well as other stakeholders for understanding the systematic way of project management practices with the aim to successfully complete a project. The model highlighted the top three factors were project planning with stakeholders, time, budget and quality and leadership style and practices.