Project Performance Improvement Research Articles

Evaluating the effective factors of BIM for enhancing the construction interface management

Maintaining the proper interface management among the construction stakeholders is becoming more crucial due to the interconnected nature of construction work. Adopting and implementing building information modelling (BIM) technology can aid in the proper execution of construction projects. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to evaluate the effective factors of BIM using DeLone and McLean’s (DM) model. The DM model's factors evaluate the system or technology in terms of system quality, information quality, service quality, and most importantly, the system's net benefits and user satisfaction. The questionnaire was developed with the expert's opinion and the survey was conducted. As megaprojects have more complicated and various levels of information sharing, this study targeted collecting responses from industrial project practitioners in India. From the survey, a total of 166 responses were obtained. Using these data, the frequency test, reliability test, and the relative importance index (RII) were performed. These effective factors of BIM contribute significantly to project performance improvement through proper interface management and communication among stakeholders. The findings of the study emphasized the importance of user satisfaction and the net benefits of BIM. Thus, this study provides further insights to increase the adoption and implementation of BIM technology.

Cooperative game theory approach towards capital equipment procurement in construction projects: a concrete batch plant case study

This study explores how contractors can benefit from joint resource procurement in construction projects, particularly in case with capital-intensive ones. Capital equipment is costly and has a long beneficial life compared to other resources; hence, minimizing its long-term costs is pivotal. Also, the lack of open dialogue under a legal structure in projects may deprive project participants from many beneficial partnering opportunities. Given this background, a comprehensive framework based on cooperative game theory is introduced to form a systematic partnership among contracting parties to share their capital equipment. Cooperative game theory is suggested as the basis for increase the gains to all parties and fair and efficient allocation of the incremental benefits of cooperation. The proposed flowchart is then applied to a real-world project and various coalitional cooperative game theory solutions for dividing gains equitably, from sharing a site-located concrete batch plant among three contractors are evaluated and the most stable cost allocation is identified. Results reveal that with the application of this cooperative procurement, the three contractors can achieve an average of twenty three percent considerable savings through practical alliance that deliver vast improvements in project productivity and performance.

The effectiveness of BIM features application strategies for building refurbishment project performance improvement

Abstract This research presents a study that explores the effectiveness of different strategies for implementing Building Information Modelling (BIM) features in enhancing the performance of building refurbishment projects. The study adopts a combined quantitative and qualitative approach to measure the significance of BIM features in relation to building refurbishment project performance improvement. It aims to uncover the correlation between BIM feature application strategies and building refurbishment project performance and provides recommendations on utilizing BIM features to improve project outcomes. The study encompasses a comprehensive review of existing literature on BIM and building refurbishment projects, followed by a mixed-methods approach. This approach involves quantitative analysis of data from refurbishment projects that have implemented BIM, as well as qualitative analysis of expert interviews with industry professionals. The findings of the expert interviews shed light on the factors influencing the effectiveness of BIM in building refurbishment projects, such as the level of BIM adoption, the availability of skilled personnel, and the integration of BIM into project workflows. The research contributes valuable insights to enhance the understanding of BIM utilization in building refurbishment projects, offering guidance to practitioners and decision-makers in leveraging BIM technologies for such endeavourrs.

Influence of Financial Resources Management on Project Performance in Public Institutions: A Case of Kigali City (2018-2022)

In this study, we examine the impact of financial resource management on project performance. Projects in Kigali City were poorly implemented due to misappropriation of public funds and insufficient measurement of project performance, especially in subdivisions and surrounding villages, leading to project failure. In directing this research project, two purposes were set: to assess the impact of financial resource management planning on project performance in Kigali City and to examine the impact of financial resource control on project performance in Kigali City. Both financial literacy and resource dependency theories were used, furthermore in order to achieve these objectives, literature was reviewed on the subject matter including definitions of key concepts, conceptual review, theoretical framework, conceptual framework and research gap analysis, additionally the target population of the study was 312 employees of Kigali City and out of them a sample size of 175 employees were selected by using stratified sampling technique. Questionnaires, interview guides and documents were used as data collection tools. Data was processed through editing, coding and tabulation and the data also was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Findings indicated that there is a significance relationship between financial resources management and City of Kigali’s project performance; and it was found that holding all the financial resources management to a constant zero, project performance of Kigali City will be 30.6 percent, a unit increase in the use of financial resource planning will lead to a 0.731% improvement in project performance in Kigali City, the use of financial resource management will lead to a 1% improvement in project performance in Kigali City. The regression analysis revealed significant coefficients indicating the impact of financial resource management on project performance in Kigali City. With a constant of 0.346, when financial resource management is absent, the project performance is estimated to be 30.6%. For every unit increase in financial resource planning, there is a corresponding 0.731% rise in project performance (Beta = 0.731, t = 6.008, p < 0.001), and similarly, a 1% increase in financial resource control leads to enhanced project performance (Beta = 0.500, t = 2.550, p = 0.025). Notably, financial resource planning exerts the strongest influence on project performance, followed by financial resource control. Both variables demonstrated statistical significance, with p-values of 0.000 and 0.025 respectively, at a 95% confidence level. Thus, all factors examined are deemed significant (p < 0.05). Therefore, based on the findings, the researchers recommend that the public entity Kigali City should continuously ensure that it has financial control expertise to ensure organizational performance.

Unveiling Effectiveness of Lean Construction Practices: A Comprehensive Study through Surveys and Case Studies

Construction projects frequently encounter challenges such as stagnant productivity, excessive waste, cost overruns, and delays, contributing to sustainability issues. In response to these issues, Lean Construction (LC) has emerged as a methodology aimed at eradicating inefficiencies and wasteful practices. However, the construction industry has been slow to embrace LC, primarily due to a lack of comprehensive evaluations regarding its real-world effectiveness. This study seeks to thoroughly assess the effectiveness of LC when implemented in construction projects in Pakistan. The research involved conducting a survey among experts in the construction industry, utilizing a comprehensive questionnaire to evaluate the extent of LC adoption and its impact on construction project performance. The collected data underwent rigorous statistical analysis to ascertain the influence of LC practices on project outcomes. To validate the survey results, the study selected five case study projects for in-depth analysis. These case studies assessed how well the projects adhered to LC principles and examined the resulting effects on project delays, cost overruns, quality issues, rework, and health-related concerns. The findings consistently confirmed that a higher level of adherence to LC principles led to significant reductions in project delays, cost overruns, quality issues, and health-related problems. This analysis strongly supports the notion that a more extensive adoption of LC practices results in substantial improvements in project performance. By presenting these compelling results, this study offers valuable insights to the construction industry, providing a clearer path for the effective integration of LC practices. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-04-09 Full Text: PDF

Lean Construction Practice on Toll Road Project Improvement: A Case Study in Developing Country

Construction is a crucial industry that drives a nation's economic growth, yet it often faces inherent challenges related to productivity and waste generation. Lean Construction (LC) has emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges. However, despite its success in various construction projects, some gaps in the practical adoption of LC hinder its widespread practitioner uptake. Therefore, to close the gap, the objective of this study is threefold: identify waste factors of construction activities, determine suitable lean tools for project performance improvement, and assess the impacts of the implementation of lean tools on project completion time and costs. A toll road project in Indonesia was investigated as the case study. A combined research method was employed by administering a questionnaire survey to pertinent project participants, conducting in-depth interviews, and analyzing relevant documents to achieve these objectives. This study discovered 15 non-value-added (NVA) activities that can be eliminated to enhance overall project performance. Most of these activities can be accommodated using coordination and collaboration, while some require a more comprehensive approach, including standardization, the Five S, crash programs, and overlapping techniques. Implementing lean tools resulted in a 19.17% reduction in project completion time, although it contributed to a 5.33% decrease in organizational profit compared to traditional approaches. The findings of this study hold the potential to benefit those facing similar issues, not only in emerging countries but also in developed economies grappling with similar contexts. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-12-016 Full Text: PDF

The Effects of Governance Practices on the Performance of the Sri Lankan Public Sector Development Projects

The use of Project Governance Practices (PGPs) is increasingly taking a substantial stage in developing economies, particularly in a newly industrializing nation like Sri Lanka where public sector development projects have been implemented to expedite the nation's growth and prosperity. As it is essential to lay a transparent and tangible foundation for an effective public sector that can be sustained, the paper focuses on the significance of PGPs in enhancing the performance of the Sri Lankan public sector development initiatives. Structuring, normalizing, facilitating, and post-conflict-sensitive variables were used to measure the PGPs, whereas financial and non-financial performance measures were employed to evaluate the project performance. The researcher conducted direct observations and administered a comprehensive Likert-scaled questionnaire to 518 project administrators involved in various Sri Lankan public sector development projects, specifically focusing on projects related to irrigation, roads and highways, water and sanitation, and other infrastructure developmental projects. The data was analyzed using the structural equation modeling through the AMOS software. The results showed that PGPs created a considerable improvement in project performance, which increased support for expanding economic prosperity through balanced development strategies and sustainability-based policy formation.
 Keywords: Performance, Project governance practices, Public sector development projects, Sri Lanka

Supplier involvement in NPD projects: the buyer's perspective on the complementary roles of social capital and social exchange for project performance

PurposeBuying firms involve suppliers early in New Product Development (NPD) projects to benefit from their capabilities. The authors investigate the joint impact on project performance improvement, of the social capital established throughout the project, and the strategic preferred buyer/supplier statuses awarded prior to the project, from the buyer's perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe authors propose a conceptual model underlining the complementary contribution to project performance of social capital dimensions and of preferred partners' statuses resulting from social exchange expectations. The model is analyzed with Partial Least Squares using 80 responses of purchasers and R&D managers involved in collaborative NPD projects with suppliers.FindingsThe relational capital built during the project has a positive central role, with a direct impact on NPD project performance and mediating effects through cognitive and structural capitals. The preferred partners' statuses have strong direct impacts on performance, and mediating effects that do not completely supplant the social capital's contribution.Practical implicationsThe implications for the efficient management of supplier involvement are twofold. First, the authors encourage strategic investments of buying firms to acquire preferred buyer's status and to support preferred supplier programs. Second, the authors alert them on the importance of establishing trust and shared cognition during the project.Originality/valueThis study captures NPD project performance from the social angle of buyer–supplier relationship management. It demonstrates the complementarity of relationship management at the strategic and operational levels, before and during the project unfolding.

Integrated construction consulting project performance improvement in China using network structure and team boundary-spanning behavior: a configurational analysis

PurposeThe consulting team intervenes in the integrated construction consulting (ICC) network structure centered on “client-contractor-consultant.” Team boundary-spanning behavior (TBB) driven by the network structure is crucial to project performance. This article investigated how to stimulate the consulting project performance (CPP) improvement by considering the interactive effect of network structure and TBB. To be specific, this paper explored the configuration between structural characteristics of project networks, the dimension of TBB, and project performance in ICC projects.Design/methodology/approachNetwork density and centrality were used to reflect network structure. This study collected 216 valid responses from construction professionals (including project managers, department managers, and project engineers) via a questionnaire survey and analyzed the data using fsQCA.FindingsCombining with the corresponding typical project case and analysis, the results concluded four types of configurations for achieving high performance in the ICC projects. Meanwhile, network centrality, density, ambassadorial behavior, coordination behavior, and detection behavior significantly impact high consulting project performance. Matching ICC network characteristics with the TBB is important. There are also three low performance configurations for the ICC projects. Low performance state also occurs when network centrality or density and coordination behavior is simultaneously low. Only the right match between the network characteristics and TBB can produce high consulting project performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe network centrality and density, the implementation of TBB vary, and the paths to achieve high consulting project performance are different. Clients, ICC projects, and consulting teams should choose the appropriate development paths according to the actual situation. (1) Clients should commit to applying the ICC project model with high network centrality, density, and coordination behavior of ICC enterprises to promote project performance. (2) Consulting enterprises should carry out ICC business based on detecting behavior and coordinating behavior. (3) The market should cultivate head consulting enterprises with independence and integration, and bring into play the effectiveness of consulting team ambassadorial behavior.Practical implicationsComparing the results of the four high CPP configurations, the network structure characteristics are essential, which means that in the Chinese consulting practice between the owner and the consulting firm pay attention to the use of appropriate ICC organizational structure model and arrange the degree of centralization of authorized responsibilities. Coordination behavior is necessary to achieve high CPP. Therefore, Chinese consulting firms should pay attention to effective communication and exchange with project contractors in order to get high CPP in conducting business; meanwhile, enabling behavior can achieve high CPP both in the presence and absence of configuration H1 and H4, which indicates that enabling behavior has substitution effect. Comparing the three low CPP configurations also contrarily confirms the indispensability of coordinating behavior. Comparing the results of high and low CPP configurations, the TBB is seriously missing and not properly applied in CPP enhancement. In detail, Chinese consulting firms have been regarded as independent third parties providing services, and less attention has been paid to the TBB of Chinese consulting firms in past practice, thus leading to the dilemma of inadequate empowerment of consulting firms due to their unclear status. To solve this dilemma, the findings of this paper offer a solution at the micro level to change the previous perception of consulting and demonstrate that Chinese consulting practice needs to pay attention to TBB with owners and contractors, and apply it well to enhance the reputation, management consulting level and capability, and experience and expertise of consulting firms to achieve high CPP.Originality/valueThe research results changed from the previous bilateral project governance to a new perspective of network embedding. It provided a theoretical basis for the improvement path of high consulting project performance, as well as providing ideas for clients on the organizational design of ICC projects. On the other hand, it provided a practical reference for TBB positioning of ICC enterprises for transformation and upgrading development.

An integrative model of information processing and contextual factors on exploring information systems outsourcing success

Information Systems (IS) outsourcing contracts often fail to deliver the planned business benefits. One major reason is that organizations have poor understanding of outsourcing. This study examined IS outsourcing success by integrating Information Processing Theory with four contextual factors (three organizational readiness factors: IT skills readiness, financial readiness and technology readiness, and one moderator factor: environmental dynamism). We collected 216 questionnaires to validate the proposed hypotheses. The statistical analysis revealed three findings. First, the fit between task uncertainty and organizational structural mechanism was significantly related to IS outsourcing success. Second, the negative moderating power of environmental dynamism on the relationship of IS outsourcing success with the fit between task uncertainty and organizational structural mechanism was significant. Finally, the three organizational readiness factors were significantly related to IS outsourcing success. This study provided new insights on the future development of Information Processing Theory and the improvement of IS outsourcing project performance.

Incentivizing Relationship Investment for Project Performance Improvement

Collaboration between developers and contractors is pivotal to the efficient completion of construction projects. Relational contracting practice has been used to promote working partnerships. Construction incentivization can be a valuable contractual tool to build relationships. This study proposes that incentivization can serve as an instrumental means to forge interorganizational relationships and corresponding project performance improvements. With data collected from experienced construction professionals, the hypotheses are empirically supported by structural equation modeling. It is therefore concluded that in addition to its conventional uses, incentivization can be innovatively designed to develop and manage interorganizational relationships and engender project performance improvement.

WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CONSTRUCTION INCENTIVISATION?

Construction incentivization in this study is used as a collective term that include all forms of incentive arrangements that aim to engender extra effort of the contracting parties for the improvement of project performance. It is quite often assumed that all enterprises are seeking continual performance. In this regard, incentives in various forms have been used as performance motivator. Notable examples include incentive schemes in military and aerospace developments contracts. In construction projects, incentive schemes have also been used to engender performance. Typically, incentive arrangements in construction involve setting cost, schedule, and outcome performance targets. Moreover, the success of incentive schemes is not guaranteed. It had also been found that many projects with incentives still end with project overruns, huge claims, and embarrassing defects. It is advocated that defective design is one of key causes of non-functioning of incentive arrangements. This study identified three fundamental flaws in the conventional design of incentive. First, the targets for incentives are often set unliterally by the owner. Second, only those quantifiable targets are included. Third, only the final outcomes are used to determine whether the targets have been achieved. This study offers some novel incentive planning parameters to be used for complex mega projects.

Project Performance Improvement Through Project Maturity Level, Planning, Implementation, Monitoring and Controlling

Project Performance Improvement Through Project Maturity Level, Planning, Implementation, Monitoring and Controlling

Effects between Information Sharing and Knowledge Formation and Their Impact on Complex Infrastructure Projects’ Performance

Adopting knowledge management theories from an inter-organizational perspective, this study aims to uncover the relationships among information sharing (IS), knowledge organization (KO), and knowledge integration (KI) through knowledge formation (KF) for improving complex infrastructure project performance. Two hundred and thirty-four valid questionnaires were collected from organizations involved in complex infrastructure projects, and their responses were evaluated using partial least-squares structural equation modeling. The findings show that IS has a significant effect on the improvement of project performance and manifests as multiple mediation roles through KO, KI and KF, not via the direct effect of IS on KI and that of KO on KF. Inter-organizational trust also plays a new and positive moderating role in the relationship between KO and KI, not in the relationship between IS and KO. This study not only provides insights on the practice of knowledge management for improving complex infrastructure project performance, but it also discovers new pathways of knowledge management and relational governance through project-specific knowledge formation.

Investigating the Agile Hybrid Approach in Construction

Rapidly developing technologies, fast evolving business needs, and increasing competition have forced construction companies to respond to changing conditions much faster in their projects. Agile project management, which was originally developed by software engineers, takes advantage of collaborative, integrated, and productive teams composed of project participants guided by principles of trust, transparent processes, and open information sharing. It is a project management approach based on delivering project requirements incrementally through short iterations by a small, self-organized, and cross-functional team. This study aims to investigate the implementation of the agile hybrid approach in construction. In this context, a conceptual model composed of 6 constructs (drivers, barriers, enablers, inputs, process improvements, and project benefits) and 42 corresponding indicators was proposed. A questionnaire survey was designed and administered to construction professionals. The validity of the interrelations among the constructs was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings revealed a need for project performance improvement as the main driver; a lack of awareness of agile methods and practices as the major barrier; commitment and organizational learning via short feedback loops as the main enabler; an autonomous, self-organized, and multidisciplinary team as the most critical input; better response to changes as the major improvement; and enhanced project performance as the key project benefit. This research proposes an interactive agile integration framework for the construction industry that can be used to reveal primary differences in implementation across countries through the collection and analysis of data from another country. Construction companies can benefit from the recommended strategies to determine their short- and long-term strategies and incorporate agility into their project management practices.

Effects of Contractual and Relational Governances on BIM Collaboration and Implementation for Project Performance Improvement

Effects of Contractual and Relational Governances on BIM Collaboration and Implementation for Project Performance Improvement

Revitalising project management office operations in an engineering-service contractor organisation: a key performance indicator based performance management approach

PurposeExisting studies on project performance improvement mainly investigate project management (PM) execution processes. Limited publications investigate the project management office's (PMO) proficiency in facilitating proper PM practice. This paper identifies the key performance indicators (KPI) of PMO operations and develops a KPI-based performance management system (KPMS) for revitalising PMO performance for an engineering-service contractor (ESC).Design/methodology/approachA four-phase study was initiated at an ESC in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). Phase-1 established historical project performance and PMO challenges via documentary analysis. Empirical data from the PMO staff and management was acquired at Phase-2 to determine PMO process value-drivers and strategic roles. Phase-3 comprised the development of a modified PMO process and the KPMS, whereas Phase-4 evaluated the efficacy of the PMO process and the KPMS framework in a trial period.FindingsThe ESC's existing PMO process lacked significant value-drivers of its PM practice. The company also overlooked strategic PMO roles. Trial implementation of the modified PMO process achieved improved project performance, which stakeholders attributed to the value-driven processes and guidance provided by the KPMS. The KPMS, when used in tandem with Earned Value Management (EVM) index score review revealed core performance aspects that could facilitate continuous improvement of the PMO process at the ESC.Practical implicationsFindings provide an adequate basis for policy creation regarding PMO performance evaluation and guidance for companies contemplating a similar endeavour. A viable model for PMO performance management and improvement is proffered. The findings and the model would provide a platform for subsequent research in the areas of PMO development and business process improvement.Originality/valueThis is the first study conducted to obtain management and practitioners' inputs on developing a PMO performance management framework in a project-based contractor organisation in T&T. Various PMO challenges and implications of improvements specific to engineering-service contractors and similar organisations were determined.

Increasing production efficiency of irrigation systems through stakeholder participation

Abstract Irrigation projects have elicited ambiguous views, if not outright animosity, during the past four decades. Aside from environmental and relocation concerns, low productivity is a source of criticism. Irrigation management systems in developing countries seem to have historically underperformed due to government control. Weak institutional arrangements have hindered effective and timely water distribution. There is widespread dissatisfaction with technocratic top-down programmes imposed with little community support. A rising recognition that more advanced engineering and information technologies are not the primary drivers of increased irrigation potential utilisation has resulted in an emphasis on farmer-led irrigation. Many developing countries have introduced reform instruments since the 1980s, with the most notable paradigm being a move from government control to participative management by stakeholders. This study looks into the situation in Cambodia where participation of farmers in managing irrigation schemes is being sought through the formation of Farmers Water Users Committees. The study quantifies the improvement in project performance with farmers’ participation through Farmers Water Users Committees and finds it significant. Furthermore, using difference-in-difference methodology, this research finds that the improvement is not a blip and is sustained over the medium term.

Influence of Integrated Project Delivery Principles on Project Performance in China: An SEM-Based Approach

Although integrated project delivery (IPD) is still in its infancy in the construction industry worldwide, some principles can be effective without formal contractual languages and enforcements when IPD is employed as a philosophy as opposed to a delivery method. This paper aims to investigate the effect of IPD principles on project performance in China, providing a reference for improvement of project performance by the application of IPD principles in countries or regions where IPD is considered as a philosophy. A total of 205 data samples were collected from different IPD-related participants in China via a questionnaire survey. Eight hypotheses are proposed based on a literature review, and these are verified using a structural equation model (SEM). According to the results of the exploratory factor analysis, IPD principles, including behavioral principles, contractual principles, collaboration-related principles, and catalysts, are classified, and the internal relationship of various IPD principles is explored using SEM to analyze the impact path between IPD principles and project performance. It was discovered that project performance is directly affected by collaboration-related principles and catalysts. The contractual principles have positive impacts on both behavioral principles and collaboration-related principles, while the catalysts show positive impacts on behavioral principles. This work provides insights and managerial implications for local applications of IPD for construction practitioners, which should be considered by promoting regional IPD practices; it contributes to both theoretical and practical perspectives for improving project performance by the effective implementation of IPD in construction projects.

Resilience to COVID-19 Through Lean Construction

COVID-19 pandemic has been an alarming issue from the beginning of 2020 and is a significant disaster that affects each industry. In dealing with the consequences of the pandemic, the construction industry confronts several interruptions for the sustainable delivery of the projects. Many researchers stated that lean construction can minimise this impact. Lean thinking is about engaging everyone, every day in handling interruptions and learning to react better. However, few discussions are there pertaining to how to implement and why to implement lean. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry and evaluate the ability of lean construction to resilient COVID-19. Therefore, a comprehensive literature review has been carried out. The findings revealed 67 negative factors categorised under resources-related issues, project management issues, quality issues, financial issues, contractual issues, safety issues, technology-related issues, and other issues for the construction industry due to the pandemic. Continuous improvement for the work under any risks, improvement in project performance, more satisfaction, and better value for the employer were highlighted as the main benefits of lean construction during the new normalcy. The developed conceptual framework unlocked several research arenas on lean in post-COVID implementation for the construction industry.