Management Of Infrastructure Projects Research Articles

Geopatial Technologies in Civil Engineering : A Critical Literature

This study investigates the role of geospatial technologies in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of civil engineering projects. Geospatial technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial analysis, have revolutionized the field of civil engineering by providing critical tools for planning, design, construction, and management of infrastructure projects. The integration of these technologies enables accurate terrain mapping, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-making, which are crucial for ensuring the safety, sustainability, and resilience of modern infrastructure. This research aims to explore the applications of geospatial technologies in various civil engineering projects, including highway planning, urban development, and environmental monitoring. The study also examines the potential benefits and limitations of these technologies and provides recommendations for their effective integration into civil engineering practices. By understanding the impact of geospatial technologies on civil engineering projects, this research aims to contribute to the development of more efficient, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure that supports the needs of modern society.

Influential factors for risk assessment and allocation on complex design-build infrastructure projects; the Texas experience

Introduction: The design-build (DB) delivery method is used to deliver increasingly complex transportation infrastructure projects associated with higher uncertainty. As such, allocating risks in the contract between the owner and design-builder becomes challenging and often leads to higher initial bids, increased contingency, or claims. Learnings from implementation worldwide have underlined the need for improving risk allocation in DB contracts. Most existing studies address risk allocation mechanisms to manage contingency at the contract level. Other studies have recognized the need for owners to adapt their processes to better allocate risks in DB contracts. This study explored the influential factors for risk assessment and allocation for complex DB infrastructure projects, addressing the opportunity to improve transportation owners’ risk allocation processes before the design-builder is selected and the DB contract is awarded.Method: The objectives of this work were achieved by utilizing empirical data collected through 20 interviews with Texas Department of Transportation and private sector experts. The interview data were analyzed using inductive and axial coding. Inductive coding allowed themes to emerge without a pre-existing framework, identifying six influential factors and six pertinent risks on complex DB projects.Results: These factors include the (i) Quality of DB teams, (ii) Level of up-front investigation, (iii) Limitations on the timing of letting, (iv) Design optimization opportunities, (v) Project-specific requirements, and (vi) Relationships with third parties. Through axial coding, the interaction and frequency between the factors and risks were also examined. The coded interactions demonstrated how the identified factors influence allocation for six pertinent risks including right-of-way acquisition, stakeholder approval, site conditions, permits and third-party agreements, railroad interaction, and utility adjustments and coordination. Findings indicate that the evaluation of these interactions can shift the risk allocation from baseline norms established by an agency to correspond to project-specific needs.Contribution: In contributing to the infrastructure project management, this is the first study to examine the factors that influence risk allocation in complex DB projects and examine interactions with pertinent risks, setting the foundation for optimizing allocation based on project-specific needs. In practice, the findings presented in this study can guide owners in adapting their allocation practices, managing, and developing their strategic plan for delivering complex DB projects. The findings can also assist contractors in pricing risks more efficiently and increase competitive bidding.

The Social Value of Public Infrastructure Works

Public infrastructure projects hold significant social value as they provide essential services, spur economic development, create job opportunities, and enhance quality of life by facilitating access to basic amenities and reducing commute times. This study aimed to assess the social impact of public infrastructure projects in the northern region of Peru, focusing on indicators such as access to basic services, inequality reduction, poverty alleviation, economic growth, and citizen well-being. Employing a quantitative approach with a non-experimental and descriptive design, the research engaged a sample of 124 engineering professionals who were surveyed to gauge their perceptions of public infrastructure project management in the northern region of Peru. The findings reveal predominantly negative perceptions towards the management of public infrastructure projects in the northern region of Peru, indicating the presence of deficiencies or irregularities in project execution. It is recommended to propose measures aimed at enhancing transparency, fostering citizen participation, and promoting accountability in the management of public infrastructure projects.   Received: 12 March 2024 / Accepted: 20 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

The knowledge and holistic management indicators to measure the sustainability of area-based infrastructure project (AIP)

For determining the effectiveness of area-based infrastructure management, a comprehensive measurement to implement and develop an infrastructure project would need to be integrated in holistic and knowledge management. The main objective of this study was to identify the keys to measurement the sustainability of area-based infrastructure project (AIP) management. First, the key performance indicators were reviewed and selected. Next, the interviews with project developers and managers of the pilot site were conducted to investigate the real context of significant keys. The discussion with five experts who have relevant experience in area-based infrastructure projects management then arose to validate possible key performance indicators. Based on the expert comments, the questionnaire was revised for its validity and clarity. Then, the data collection using a questionnaire was sent out to representative samples across Thailand. Later, there was the analysis to interpret the survey results. The results revealed that there are two groups of keys to measure the sustainability of AIP management. One was the “Holistic Management (HM)”, which consisted of seventeen components. The other was the “Knowledge Management (KM)”, which involved six similarity items. It was found that the aforementioned factors can explain 70.024% of the total cumulative variance in the entire datasets compiled for the assessment of keys to measurement the sustainability of AIP management. The main outcomes from this study can be beneficial for the development of effective and good governance strategies for achieving sustainability patterns of area-based infrastructure project management. This theory offers the understanding of how the effectiveness of key measurement of AIP management can drive sustainable development project s, which can help in project manager and developer research on identity-related transitions.

Idealized Influence and Employee Performance in Water Works Development Agencies in Kenya

This study sought to examine the effect of idealized influence on employee performance in water works development agencies (WWDA) in Kenya. It was guided by Transformational Leadership Theory. A descriptive research design and positivist research paradigm was adopted. The population of this study was the 7 Water Works Development Agencies (WWDAs) while the unit of observation was 450 staff in the organizations. Krejcie and Morgan were used to determine the study sample size of 207 respondents. This study employed stratified random sampling in selecting the sample. The study used primary data collected using a semi structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 26. Qualitative data collected was analyzed using content analysis and presented in prose form. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages. The study also computed correlation analysis to measure strength and the direction of linear relationship between variables. Multiple regression models were fitted to the data to determine how the predictor/independent variables affect the response/dependent variable. The study further used hierarchical multiple regression models to measure the moderating effect of legal framework. The findings were presented in tables and figures. The study found that idealized influence has a positive and significant relationship with employee performance in WWDA in Kenya. On moderator, the study found that legal framework has positive significant moderating effect on the relationship between idealized influence and the employee performance in WWDA in Kenya. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that WWDA should enhance idealized influence among their leaders to improve their performance. This can be achieved by developing a leadership style that exhibits strong ethical and moral values, and by consistently practicing what they preach. Leaders should also be seen as role models, which can inspire their subordinates to emulate their behavior. Additionally, there is a need to establish effective legal frameworks that ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the management of public infrastructure projects, particularly those related to water service delivery. Further studies should explore the impact of other factors such as technology, funding, and political will influence employee performance in WWDA in Kenya.

Integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Transportation and Facilities: Recent Applications and Future Perspectives

At present, increased modes of transport have facilitated daily life. Building information modeling (BIM) integration has become a key strategy to foster efficiency, collaboration, and sustainability in the fields of buildings, transport, and facilities. Currently, there is a scarcity of comprehensive examinations of the performance of integrated BIM with transport facilities and applications to help identify potential prospects for sustainable development. Hence, this research paper attempts to scrutinize the integration of BIM, transportation, and facilities (T and Fs) by highlighting future directions and trends, revealing the existing status and hotspots of research in the field, and clarifying the developmental pulse of research as well as emerging areas in the future. A quantitative research technique is utilized in this study, using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software, and the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. The study findings suggest that the hot keywords for the integration of BIM and T and Fs are predominantly concentrated on construction, framework, system, design, and management. In addition, over the previous 34 years (years 1989 to 2023), the applications of point cloud, digital twin, and life cycle assessment have been the current hot topics, and these emerging technologies can offer more innovative breakthroughs for the future. Furthermore, the integration of BIM and T and Fs represents an important trend that is essential for improving the efficiency, sustainability, and intelligence of buildings and infrastructure, from which the three domains can create synergies that contribute to the better planning, construction, and management of building and infrastructure projects.

Implementation Building Information Modelling For Construction Projects In Remote and Challenging Locations

This research discusses the innovative implementation of digitalization of infrastructure construction based on Building Information Modelling (BIM) 5D on the Toapejat - Rokot - Sioban Road and Bridge Handling Project (Simp. Logpon) in the Mentawai Islands. The focus is a collection of AEC software from Autodesk, including Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks, and BIM 360, which supports the project's BIM goals. This method is proven to provide a holistic approach to planning, design, construction, and management of infrastructure projects. In the face of growing competition and innovation of BIM technology, this study emphasizes the need for continuous innovation for construction companies to participate in the development of digital construction technology. The project is considered a clear example of BIM's crucial role in overcoming construction challenges in remote areas, unlocking potential for future projects on isolated islands.

РАЗВИТИЕ ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКИХ ОСНОВ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ РИСКАМИ КРУПНЫХ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРНЫХ ГЧП-ПРОЕКТОВ

The purpose of this article is to develop the theoretical foundations of risk management in the implementation of large infrastructure projects with government participation using the example of the development of high-speed railways in Russia. The relevance of this topic is due to the fact that for Russia, high-speed highways are a completely new type of transport infrastructure, the creation of which requires the development of existing views and approaches to risk management of large infrastructure projects with government participation. The impact of high-speed highway projects on a country’s economy is difficult to overestimate, as they affect many factors: from stimulating development to improving the quality of life of the population, which is why studying existing tools and proposing new views on risk management that increase the success of projects with government participation is one of the key issues to be addressed.

Transformation of the multilevel system of transport infrastructure project management

The article is devoted to the development of theoretical and methodological provisions aimed at systemic transformation of the organization of a multi-level system of project management of transport infrastructure. The authors propose to use the method of multi-parametric assessment for groups of projects aimed at the development of transport infrastructure based on economic and environmental indicators, including determining the level of efficiency of the socio-innovative potential of transport, taking into account the degree of possible risks. The significance of the practical component of the study is to determine a set of conditions for the possible practical use of the methodology for managing groups of projects in the field of transport infrastructure considering the effectiveness of the implementation of the tasks and goals laid down in them. The method of organization of project management makes it possible to optimize the number of unrealized groups of projects in a multiple way, to carry out the procedure of ordering and multifactorial selection in the context of each hierarchical management level. The reliability of the results obtained was confirmed by the implementation of projects in the field of transport in Moscow, as well as the use of various mathematical methods.

Structuring risks for a comprehensive understanding of cost overruns in power plant projects

Purpose Power plant projects are very complex and encounter serious cost overruns worldwide. Their cost overrun risks are not independent but interrelated in many cases, having structural relationships among each other. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to establish the complex structural relationships of risks involved. Design/methodology/approach In total, 76 published articles from the previous literature are reviewed using the content analysis method. Three risk networks in different phases of power plant projects are depicted based on literature review and case studies. The possible methods of solving these risk networks are also discussed. Findings The study finds critical cost overrun risks and develops risk networks for the procurement, civil and mechanical works of power plant projects. It identifies potential models to assess cost overrun risks based on the developed risk networks. The literature review also revealed some research gaps in the cost overrun risk management of power plants and similar infrastructure projects. Practical implications This study will assist project risk managers to understand the potential risks and their relationships to prevent and mitigate cost overruns for future power plant projects. It will also facilitate decision-makers developing a risk management framework and controlling projects’ cost overruns. Originality/value The study presents conceptual risk networks in different phases of power plant projects for comprehending the root causes of cost overruns. A comparative discussion of the relevant models available in the literature is presented, where their potential applications, limitations and further improvement areas are discussed to solve the developed risk networks for modeling cost overrun risks.

UTILIZATION OF BIM (BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING) TECHNOLOGY TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND ACCURACY OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT PLANNING

This research aims to investigate the use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) Technology as an innovative solution in increasing the efficiency and accuracy of infrastructure project planning. The research method consists of identifying stakeholder needs, developing an integrated 3D BIM model, validating and testing the model, integration into the Project Information Management System (PMIS), as well as training and application in the field. By adopting this approach, it is hoped that it will be able to improve the quality of planning information, provide a holistic view of the project, and optimize collaboration between stakeholders. This research focuses not only on the technical aspects of BIM models, but also on their practical implementation in real construction environments. The results of this research are expected to make a significant contribution to increasing the effectiveness of infrastructure project management through the use of BIM technology.

Call for papers: Program management of major infrastructure projects

Call for papers: Program management of major infrastructure projects

Conceptual model for managing the phases of implementation of infrastructure projects and programmes in the post-war period

The outbreak of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused significant human, economic, and political damage, as well as destruction to infrastructure. However, in the future, all losses incurred should be recovered. Therefore, creating models to manage infrastructure projects is still important, especially in the post-war environment of Ukraine. The purpose of this study was to build a model that would allow for the highest management efficiency in the implementation of infrastructure projects in the post-war period and to describe the possibilities of its practical application. The main methods used in the study were analysis, modelling, and abstraction. Thus, the study built a conceptual model of management of infrastructure projects and programmes in the post-war period. The study also analysed the current theoretical framework for infrastructure project management and highlighted the issue of substantiating the parameters of infrastructure programme and project products. Network models, their features and possibilities of use were described to provide a clearer picture of the project’s work and more efficient resource management. The paper emphasised that infrastructure projects are often divided into two phases: construction and operation. The study also described the importance of infrastructure projects for the efficient transport of goods and passengers and their impact on the competitiveness of the transport system. This study offers a more profound insight into the specific features of managing the implementation phases of infrastructure projects, especially in the post-war period, and brings new knowledge for management in the context of building large-scale investment programmes

Adopting e-government to monitor public infrastructure projects execution in Nigeria: The public perspective

Public infrastructure projects (PIPs) are critical to the socioeconomic development of any country and similar to most public activities, their governance requires effective public participation to be successful. Information and communication technology adoption in government-public engagements (i.e., e-government) has improved public participation in governance in developed countries. This study utilizes the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology to investigate determining factors for the Nigerian public to adopt e-government tools to promote public participation in monitoring PIPs execution. It adopts questionnaire survey and structural equation modelling techniques to show that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influence, and effort expectancy significantly and positively affect behavioral intention to adopt e-government tools to monitor PIPs execution in Nigeria. This study provides scholars with an exploratory baseline for extension of e-government adoption to public infrastructure project management. This study also provides recommendations to policy makers, government technocrats, and project engineers on the need for policy changes, creation of interactive and up-to-date project websites for PIPs in Nigeria.

Scaffolding civic infrastructures: Examining the role of civic technoscience in public engagements with oil and gas pipelines

Oil and gas pipelines bring attention to the importance of public participation in the management of large-scale infrastructure projects. Participation transforms how communities understand benefits and risks, and can result in safer and more resilient projects. However, participation can be hindered by procedural injustices in planning processes and lack of industry transparency. Based on a survey of 103 civil society groups conducted in 2021, this paper investigates how groups mobilize technical projects and expert knowledge to overcome these barriers. We frame these mobilizations as expressions of civic technoscience, and argue their pivotal role in building capacity for effective engagements with pipelines. To this extent, we furthermore suggest that civic technoscience is fundamental to building civic infrastructures for reforming participatory governance gaps. We conclude with recommendations for how civic technoscience can better support the intentions of civic infrastructuring by coordinating activities across coalitions, as well as by shifting the scales at which groups engage with the governance of pipelines.

Study on dissipative structure of mega railway infrastructure project management system

PurposeThe mega railway infrastructure projects are faced with complex environments and multi-level management challenges. Thus, the mega railway infrastructure project management system not only needs to focus on its composition, but also needs to consider changes and impacts of internal and external environment.Design/methodology/approachThis study attempts to introduce the concept of dissipative structure from the perspective of complexity theory and constructs a positive entropy and negentropy flow index system for mega railway infrastructure project management system in order to analyze the factors of management system more deeply. The Brusselator model is used to construct the structure of the mega railway infrastructure project management system, and the entropy method is used to calculate the positive entropy and negentropy values to verify whether the management system is a dissipative structure.FindingsA plateau railway project in China was used as an example for an empirical study, not only its own characteristics are analyzed, but also the role of constraints and facilitation of the internal and external environment. Based on the research results, several effective suggestions are put forward to improve the stability and work efficiency of mega railway infrastructure project management system.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates that mega railway infrastructure project management system has the characteristics of dissipative structure. It can provide theoretical support for the development of mega railway infrastructure project management system from disorderly state to orderly state.

Evaluation of the Infrastructure Project Management System of Government Organizations and Suggestions for Their Improvement

The success of infrastructure projects of government organizations depends primarily on government policies, which include the rules, regulations, manuals, standard contract documents, systems, and practices that govern mutual relations between the government and private contractors to a large extent. This study aimed to critically examine this part of the project management system of government organizations and to suggest measures for its improvement. The systems of three government organizations were studied in detail by examining their documents and interviewing their senior officers. Their salient features were compared and best practices grouped to frame propositions and determine the opinion of experts regarding their implementation. Consensus on the suggested propositions was measured using a questionnaire survey and a Delphi analysis, and out of 11 propositions, consensus was found on nine; therefore, these nine propositions were suggested for adoption by the three organizations to bring about system improvements. Said improvements were expected to be the authentication of the tender process, a less time-consuming and dispute-free process, enhancement of the financial liquidity of the contractor through assurance of timely payments, compensation for losses due to idling of labor and machinery, adoption of strict measures in the contract through the introduction of a debarment clause for failure to perform, and deemed termination of the contract in case of abnormal delays in preconstruction activity. The most crucial recommendation that emerged in the study was the introduction of a focus-on-delivery clause in the work manual, which would enhance bona fide decisions in favor of work while addressing various issues faced during work execution.

RESEARCH ON OPTIMIZING THE ARCHIVES MANAGEMENT OF UNIVERSITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS UNDER THE NEW SITUATION

With the rapid development of higher education in China in recent years, the development of various work in colleges and universities has also ushered in a new development, and is facing new opportunities and challenges. The quality of cadre personnel file management has the most direct impact on the efficiency of personnel utilization and personnel management. With the continuous development of China’s economy, the country is also constantly promoting the development of higher education. At the same time, with the continuous increase of the scale of university construction projects, the archives of infrastructure projects are also increasing. The management of infrastructure archives also plays an important role in the process of university infrastructure, so it is necessary to continuously optimize the management of infrastructure project archives. Therefore, this paper starts from the important position of university infrastructure archives management, in turn analyzes the characteristics of the university infrastructure archives management, and combined with the actual situation of colleges and universities of the problems and the cause analysis, finally put forward scientific and reasonable university infrastructure archives management countermeasures, provide the basis for university infrastructure archives management research. On the basis of optimizing the significance of archives management of university infrastructure projects, the relevant countermeasures of infrastructure archives management are discussed.

Edição especial: provisão de infraestrutura e gerenciamento de projetos em economias de baixa e média renda

Abstract This presentation introduces the special issue of Cadernos EBAPE.BR, focusing on the theme of infrastructure delivery and project management in low-and-middle income economies. This work highlights the rationale for the special issue and summarizes the articles published. Infrastructure projects operate in a complex environment and must handle multi-level management governance. These challenges are even more pronounced in low-and-middle income economies. Therefore, an infrastructure project management system must not only consider its internal structure but also the changes and impacts the project has on both internal and external environments. The thematic section of this special issue features four articles. The first article, presented by Carneiro (2023), takes a critical perspective on project studies with a focus on the World Bank’s role and influence. The World Bank is one of the primary funding sources for infrastructure projects and has committed to increasing investments in infrastructure from billions to trillions of US dollars. Pereira, Gomide, Machado, and Ibiapino (2023) as well as Pinto and Teixeira (2023) concentrate on Brazilian Amazon infrastructure megaprojects. Finally, Barros, Carvalho, and Brasil (2023) discuss inland waterway transportation in Brazil. This special issue aims to delve into project management studies related to the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects, encompassing public-private governance issues, project execution, and stakeholder engagement. The four articles provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges Brazil faces in executing such projects. They all address the often-high socio-political complexity that characterizes the context surrounding infrastructure projects in low-and middle-income countries, whose ultimate objective is to create and distribute value to their citizens.

Budget performance and governance in infrastructure project management: the case of Brazilian inland waterway transport

Resumo A gestão de projetos se concentra cada vez mais na entrega de benefícios, considerando a complexidade institucional e os desafios globais. Os projetos de transporte hidroviário interior (THI) aparecem na Contribuição Nacionalmente Determinada do Brasil, seguindo o Acordo de Paris. No entanto, os projetos brasileiros de THI permanecem subdesenvolvidos e a capacidade de transporte hidroviário de carga é subutilizada. Há uma lacuna na literatura sobre as ligações entre desempenho orçamentário, política, política e gerenciamento de projetos. Em particular, sabemos pouco sobre os efeitos das interações entre mecanismos de governança e execução do orçamento público na contratação de projetos de infraestrutura de transporte aquaviário no Brasil. Este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar a execução orçamentária da infraestrutura hidroviária brasileira e os arranjos de governança para determinar a influência desses fatores nas falhas das políticas. Realizamos uma análise qualitativa dos planos de políticas e investimentos realizados entre 2014 e 2020, por meio de entrevistas e pesquisa documental, para examinar 109 projetos de infraestrutura hidroviária. Todos os entrevistados apontaram a falta de planejamento como um entrave aos projetos hidroviários, e 74% deles relataram déficit orçamentário. Apesar disso, encontramos US$ 43,2 milhões disponíveis nos orçamentos, mas nunca utilizados. A incapacidade de investir é, portanto, um obstáculo maior para os projetos hidroviários brasileiros do que a insuficiência orçamentário. Recomendamos uma abordagem de gestão adaptativa para alocar investimentos, na qual as partes interessadas aprendam juntas para implementar estratégias de projeto mais eficazes.