Pre-project Planning Research Articles

Development of a Predictive Model Based on the Alignment Tool in the Early Stages of Projects: The Case of Saudi Arabia Infrastructure Projects

The construction industry plays a substantial role in shaping the economies of many countries. Construction management faces various challenges that can lead to project failures, particularly in infrastructure projects struggling to meet cost and time requirements. Inadequate project planning and the intricate nature of construction projects can cause participants’ project goals to not align. It is crucial to address these challenges early in the planning stages to ensure project success. This research involved investigating previous studies to understand current practices for improving infrastructure project planning and selecting the best pre-project planning tool. Infrastructure projects in the Saudi construction industry are used as a case study. A questionnaire was prepared based on essential alignment issues affecting team alignment during pre-project planning. Participants rated the level of agreement with alignment issues and the overall success of a project they worked on. The study utilized descriptive and inferential analysis techniques to assess infrastructure project success rates and develop a predictive model driven by the alignment tool. Multiple linear regression techniques were used during the model’s development, and validation and reliability outputs were obtained. By evaluating all relevant stakeholders, the model generates a score to facilitate the pre-project planning process, increasing the likelihood of project success. The study found that the model’s predictive accuracy was 94%. This research is significant in creating a predictive model applicable to infrastructure projects, enhancing project management practices by enabling project teams to evaluate project progress, identify projects in need of corrective action, and ultimately improve project performance, leading to cost and time savings.

Use of BIM with Modular Construction in Future Construction Techniques

Modular construction technology and applications are rapidly evolving. Modular construction is a process in which entire rooms or sections of rooms are built in a factory setting along with electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work and then transported to a final site for assembly. With modular construction, a building is built off-site, under controlled facility conditions, with the same materials and to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities, but in half the time. The modular construction method is used to build various types of buildings (whether they are apartment houses, office buildings, or hotels). This construction method is used for both permanent and relocatable projects. These projects can be built with two types of modules. These are 2D panels or 3D modules. These can be combined to form a third type, hybrid modular construction. Each has its advantages. 2D panels offer easy logistics and flexibility in building design and are mounted on site. Factory productivity is increased by using 3D volumetric solutions. They only need to be installed once they are delivered. The hybrid modular structure has the advantages of the previous two. With the recent development of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the use of modular construction methods in conjunction with BIM becomes more common. As with any method, this one has advantages as well as disadvantages. Disadvantages of this method, such as a higher number of complex decisions, front-loaded design, etc., can be solved with BIM. Furthermore, the BIM platform can resolve the disadvantages of traditional construction methods, such as the difficulty of pre-project planning and coordination among members of interdisciplinary professions. With BIM and the modular construction method, physical conflicts between the structural system and its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems can be easily identified early in the design process, and resolution can be expedited. This article includes general information about the modular construction method, future application scenarios, use, and advantages of BIM. The document analysis method, one of the qualitative methods, was used, and in the light of the data obtained, comments and scenarios were tried to be created about the future of BIM and modular construction techniques. What distinguishes this study is that the concept of quality is examined in detail by using these two methods together.

Knowledge transfer in interim management projects

Abstract This study aims to define the role of knowledge in a triad of factors determining effectiveness in Interim Management (IM) projects. The discussion is based on the authors’ research concept, which, in addition to knowledge, also explores the categories of trust and power. A longitudinal study using the empirical-inductive approach was conducted in Poland between 2019 and 2021. It included ten enterprises that implemented IM projects in the studied period. The results presented in this article confirm the importance of the empirically adopted study factors, including the transfer of knowledge between the Interim Manager and the client’s (organisation’s) project team. A significant relationship between the level of knowledge and the levels of trust and power emerges as particularly evident. Research can be continued to verify the authors’ initial findings and include the proposed research tools and entities representing different sectors, management cultures and geographical regions in search of additional variables and their correlations with trust, power and knowledge. The research conclusions may prove applicable to both Interim Managers (IMs) and their clients (organisations). They can be used not only for pre-project planning but also during the IM projects.

The Impact Of Site Management On The Success Of Construction Project In Abuja

The significance of site management as a powerful tool for enhancing site performance in the construction industry is often undermined due to its inefficient and ineffective implementation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of proper site management on project completion, delivery, and success in Abuja. The research utilized a survey design involving professionals from the built environment, such as civil engineers, architects, project managers, and more. The cluster sampling technique was employed, selecting 100 respondents from a population of 3,250 in Abuja. The study achieved a 100% response rate. Data analysis involved the Relative Importance Index (RII) and Pearson correlation techniques, presenting results through statistical equations, tables, charts, and graphs. Notable findings included the significance of sound site management principles like planning, professional engagement, funding, technology integration, neighbourhood security, worker motivation, and teamwork in enhancing site management effectiveness. Inadequate site management issues could be alleviated through improved pre-project planning and successful project management, critical for construction project success. Neglecting effective site management practices adversely affected project performance. The research emphasized the importance of enhanced leadership skills, technical knowledge, adoption of new methodologies, and standardized tools in achieving better project performance through optimal site management practices. Improved site management practices are essential to mitigate challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.

Predicting Cost and Schedule Performance of Green Building Projects Based on Preproject Planning Efforts Using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis

Predicting Cost and Schedule Performance of Green Building Projects Based on Preproject Planning Efforts Using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis

Restoring seagrass meadows in Basque estuaries: nature-based solution for successful management

Seagrass meadows provide a wide variety of ecosystem goods and services (biodiversity maintenance, carbon sequestration, sediment oxygenation and enrichment, filtering, coastal protection, and nursery area for other species). For this reason, they are areas of high economic development while historically highly impacted by human activity. Therefore, there is a growing need for the restoration and conservation of these habitat engineers as a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. The Basque Country region (northern Spain) has experienced a decline in seagrass meadows driven by increases in nutrient concentrations and decreases in water clarity. In this region, only 3 out of its 12 estuaries currently host natural intertidal populations of the protected species Zostera noltei. However, there is written evidence of the previous presence of this species in other estuaries within the region. Despite significant improvement in water quality has been observed in most Basque estuaries, these plants show a low capacity for a successful natural recolonization, requiring human restoration planning and implementation. To ensure a successful seagrass restoration a plan is needed which encompasses four phases: feasibility and pre-project planning, project design, pre-restoration tasks, and restoration/monitoring. This work focuses on the first and second phases, which include the selection of the most suitable reception sites and restoration trials. Therefore, a restoration and monitoring plan is proposed for a Basque estuary which includes further involvement of local stakeholders (users, managers) to increase the probability of success.

An Analysis of Real Site Operation Time in Construction of Residential Buildings in Slovakia

By reducing construction times and thereby shortening the times of construction site operation, it is possible to contribute to ensuring the social, economic, and environmental pillars of sustainability, which are necessary to meet the 2030 climate target plan set by the European Commission. This paper deals with an analysis of the time of site operation in construction of residential buildings. The site operation time in construction of fourteen residential buildings in Slovakia was examined. The research offers findings that can help clients make more rational decisions about the duration of construction site operation they request from contractors in construction contracts. Defining the mathematical dependence between the size of building and needed time of construction site operation in the pre-project planning phase was one of the results of this analysis. Based on the relationship expressed in this way, contractors can predict whether it will be possible to obtain a score in an environmental assessment of a building by minimizing undesirable effects of the construction site (such as dust, noise, and vibrations) through reducing the time of construction site operation. The study also produced a methodology in the form of steps or actions for the possible reduction of construction site operation time. The equation of dependence that resulted from the present study may be a good basis for planning a sustainable construction site that only affects its environment during the necessary construction time.

A Pedagogical Paradigm to Support Infrastructure Projects through Coupling Front-End Planning Techniques with Sustainability Practices

ABSTRACT Effective project management of sustainable infrastructure projects is critical for successful project delivery and improved project performance of construction projects. Coupling and integrating Front-End Planning (FEP) techniques and sustainability rating systems such as the EnvisionTM rating system in the curricula can equip our construction workforces with advanced skills in planning and managing such projects. Therefore, this study investigates the existing synergies between FEP and EnvisionTM and establishes the necessity of incorporating these concepts into the Construction Management (CM) curricula. The research methodology included (1) surveying infrastructure experts to investigate the nexus between EnvisionTM credits and FEP; (2) investigating the use of pre-project planning tools in the industry; and (3) implementing a Problem Based Learning (PBL) activity to enhance construction students’ knowledge of FEP and sustainability. The results highlighted that sustainability practices greatly align with FEP. Moreover, the knowledge improvement through the PBL activity demonstrates that such an active learning method can be a strong candidate for effective pedagogical design to teach these concepts. The novelty of this study encompasses highlighting the necessity to link and incorporate EnvisionTM with FEP in construction curricula to support CM students to become adept in both planning and delivering sustainable infrastructure projects.

Анализ технологических направлений электрификации объектов добычи углеводородов на слабоосвоенных территориях.

The article considers modern technological directions for the electrification of hydrocarbon production facilities in the poorly developed or hard-to-reach territories of the Arctic, the Far North or offshore fields, due to the remoteness of the Arctic and Far Eastern regions from existing large energy hubs, which makes it practically impossible to use a unified energy system of RF (UES RF) as the main source of electricity for needs of the oil and gas industry. The conditions of the UES RF using necessitates the additional generation sources for oil and gas companies and the solution of related issues of economic and environmental efficiency of technological projects for the electrification of hydrocarbon production facilities in hard-to-reach and poorly developed territories. The study performed a cluster analysis of literary sources in order to determine the current trends in the electrification and power supply of the oil and gas industry. An assessment of the conditions for the application of modern technological directions for the electrification of hydrocarbon production facilities in the poorly developed and hard-to-reach territories of Russia is presented. The system analysis covers electrification options using gas-fired generators; based on the integration of renewable energy sources and their combination with traditional types of electricity supply; using complexes of unified energy networks for several offshore production facilities and additional energy centers. The study of technological directions for the electrification of hydrocarbon production facilities in poorly developed territories is the basis for further practical application of the results of the analysis in the field of pre-project planning and evaluation of proposed technological solutions based on the rational choice of a power source for remote fields, taking into account the optimal composition of equipment and the location of elements of power supply systems, construction schedule and indicators of the cost of construction and operation of energy supply systems.

A Risk Analysis‐Best Worst Method Based Model for Selection of the Most Appropriate Contract Strategy for Onshore Drilling Projects in the Iranian Petroleum Industry

The pre-project planning phase has a significant impact on the achievement of project objectives because during this stage, major decisions including involving contract strategies are made with a high degree of uncertainty. Studies show that the contract type can play a unique role in the achievement of project success. On the other hand, drilling projects can be considered as one of the most critical types of projects in the petroleum industry. In this research, a novel risk based best-worst method (risk-BWM) is proposed for solving the issue of selecting the best contract strategy. A three level methodology was designed; firstly, the risk breakdown structure (RBS) of drilling projects was created in four levels including one heading in level 0, eight main areas of risk in level 1, 34 sub-areas of risk in level 2, and finally, 217 risk items in level 3. Secondly and on the basis of BWM, the weights of risk factors were determined as the selection criteria and consequently the best and the worst criteria were specified. Finally, using pair-wise comparisons between six types of drilling prevalent in contracts, the most appropriate contract type was proposed. The contribution of this study is the development of a generic RBS for drilling projects and application of the risk factors for the first time for the selection of contract type using the BWM method, which has the potential of being adapted for other types of underground projects.

Community-level decentralized energy system planning under uncertainty: A comparison of mathematical models for strategy development

Distributed energy systems renewable energy are one solution to the environmental and economic concerns of energy use. While energy planning and optimization have been conducted mainly as a mathematical exercise, practical approaches that incorporate the engineering realities and uncertainties are limited. Decision makers find challenges in community energy planning due to the lack of expertise, planning tools, and information. While a multitude of models and tools are currently available, there are no means of identifying the most appropriate or accurate methods, especially considering uncertainty. The main objective of this study is to compare and identify the strengths and limitations of various mathematical modelling techniques used in energy planning for grid connected renewable energy systems. As a case study demonstration, different multi-objective optimization techniques with and without uncertainty consideration (i.e. robust optimization, linear optimization, Taguchi Orthogonal Array method, and Monte Carlo simulation) were applied on a selected neighborhood in British Columbia. The optimization outcomes and the time and effort for evaluation were compared for the different methods. The findings indicate that robust optimization can be used to develop an uncertainty-based decision model. It significantly reduces evaluation time compared to the other methods. Although the presence of uncertainties can change the optimal configuration of a planned energy system, the assessment method itself does not significantly impact the outcomes. The findings of this study will enable the energy planners and researchers to compare different multi-objective optimization techniques, and to select the best for planning renewable energy projects, especially during the pre-project planning stage.

The integration of building information modeling (BIM) and system dynamic modeling to minimize construction waste generation from change orders

Change iterations in construction create uncertainties and make the project management dynamic and unstable. Published literature shows that 30% of the construction cost is attributed to rework. Moreover, change orders are considered as the largest source of construction waste. Construction professionals have to make change decisions based on their previous experience and assumptions supported by incomplete information. Objective methods based on state-of-the-art technology can be systematically used to address the above challenge. Despite its promise, Building Information Modeling (BIM) based dynamic modeling has not been researched to estimate waste generation from change orders. In this paper, Building Information Modeling (BIM) was used to simulate the field data over the project lifecycle to analyze the ripple effects of construction changes. A system dynamic model was developed to map interactions in the system. Virtual BIM data was used to analyze the dynamic behavior of the variables due to the changes in the scope of work. Case study results showed that the client's commitment to decrease waste in the pre-project planning stage, with coordinated BIM design efforts, could reduce construction waste by up to 25%.

Key barriers to increase construction productivity: the Singapore case

This study investigated the barriers to achieving high construction productivity in Singapore with the view to providing further input into policy formulation and action to enhance the industry’s productivity performance. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which was sent to all the 3032 members of the Singapore Contractors Association and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Statistical t-tests and factor analysis were conducted on the 109 valid responses using the SPSS software. The findings were validated via in-depth interviews with subject matter experts. The top three barriers are “delays in providing information to contractors”, “poor skills of workers” and “inadequate pre-project planning and pre-work planning”. The sources of these barriers are consultants and contractors, suggesting that these stakeholders should cooperate to improve productivity. The research findings for Singapore construction industry is unique in that most of the labourers on site are migrant workers from overseas. Nonetheless, the findings may be useful to countries that employ labourers mainly from overseas such as those in the Middle East and certain parts of Europe. This study adds to knowledge by identifying the most significant barriers to productivity improvement and providing suggestions to address them. To improve productivity, all participants should change their mind-set, attitudes and behaviours. Clients should support productivity initiatives and be more proactive concerning productivity through tender evaluation criteria, setting productivity targets and paying for productivity premium. Contractors should develop corporate productivity policies, monitor productivity closely and purposefully adopt measures to increase productivity of their projects.

Optimization of the renewable energy system for nearly zero energy buildings: A future-oriented approach

Renewable energy systems (RES) in buildings are designed to operate over their lifetime. Considering only present-day data in the pre-project planning phase, which is common in optimization studies, without taking into account the potential future changes in influential parameters such as climate and energy price data may lead to inappropriate solutions for long-term operation. Therefore, this study aims to present a future-oriented optimization methodology for RES design able to adapt to the impacts of climate change and variations in energy prices. Future climate and energy price data are used to obtain the optimal design of a RES proposed to cover the energy demand of a nearly zero energy building (nZEB), and the results are compared with those obtained from present-day data. Results show a decrease in heating and electricity demand by 14.6% and 2.29%, and an increase in cooling demand by 19.9% after 20 years. It is found that the RES design based on present-day data is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and energy price variations. It leads to an oversized system for meeting electrical and heating demand while lacking sufficient capacity to cover the cooling needs in the future. A comprehensive energy analysis is also conducted concerning climate change impacts on the RES performance, and an upward trend in on-site generation and load matching index is concluded. Sensitivity analyses were performed for some economic parameters. The findings prove that the proposed methodology guarantees the reliability of RESs to fulfill nZEB requirements from a long-term perspective.

Prioritizing Preproject Planning Activities Using Value of Information Analysis

AbstractPreproject planning is becoming a widespread best management practice. Potentially, it can be an extremely time and resource intensive practice and, as such, presents challenges in the mana...

Optimal renewable energy supply choices for net-zero ready buildings: A life cycle thinking approach under uncertainty

The increasing concerns about the environmental and economic impacts of conventional centralised energy generation and fossil fuel usage have prompted an interest in renewable-based decentralised energy systems. Implementing such systems at building level can facilitate the development of net-zero energy buildings. Energy system planning is a multi-faceted problem that involves technical, economic, environmental, and social dimensions, and affects multiple stakeholders at different levels. A multi-objective optimisation approach is needed to identify the optimal energy choices at building level, while paying attention to stakeholder priorities and other constraints. The objective of this study is to develop a model to identify the optimal mix of renewable energy (RE) while also accounting for uncertainties, which can be integrated at building level with life cycle thinking. A framework was proposed for planning an optimised hybrid RE system at building level to support the net-zero development goals. The optimisation model was developed considering the objectives of minimising energy system cost, maximising operational cost savings, minimising the life cycle environmental impacts, and maximising the RE fraction. A combinatorial optimisation approach was adopted to reflect the practical engineering aspects of energy planning problems based on technologies available in the market. The developed framework was demonstrated through a case study conducted for an average multi-unit residential buildings (MURB) located in British Columbia, Canada. The results indicated that under the defined stakeholder priorities and constraints, ground source heat pumps and solar photovoltaics (PV) are the optimal energy choices for MURB, and the optimal energy system combination supplied 44% of the building's energy demand through RE. The findings will inform and guide community developers and other stakeholders with an interest in residential buildings, on the most suitable clean energy options for their building project during the pre-project planning stage.

Study on location decision framework of agroforestry biomass cogeneration project: A case of China

Location decision of agroforestry biomass cogeneration (AFBC) project belongs to macro site selection, which is an important task in the pre-project planning stage and directly affects the subsequent economic benefits of the project. However, there are few studies on the site selection of biomass cogeneration projects. And the existing research equates the site selection of biomass cogeneration projects with that of biomass power generation projects, without distinguishing between the two, which is unreasonable. Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes a location decision framework for the AFBC project based on multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) method. Firstly, a special evaluation criteria system is constructed for the location decision of the AFBC project, which includes three main criteria consisting of social needs, resource supply and economic factors, as well as 11 sub-criteria. Then, considering the strong independence of the criteria in the AFBC project location decision, the subjective and objective weights are determined by best-worst method (BWM) and entropy method respectively. And then multiplicative integration method is applied to calculate the comprehensive weights of the criteria to ensure the rationality. Afterwards, Multi-Attributive Border Approximation area Comparison (MABAC) method is used to rank alternative locations and select the optimal. Finally, a case from Hebei Province of China is illustrated to verify the feasibility and validity of this location decision framework in practical applications.

Influence of risk mitigation measures on international construction project success criteria – a survey of Indian experiences

Despite globalisation bringing diverse opportunities for construction firms from developing countries, executing international construction projects entails many risks. Several past studies illustrate the risks faced by firms in international construction projects and recommend various risk mitigation measures without revealing their effect on project success criteria. In order to fill this knowledge gap, this study aims to test the influence of identified risk mitigation measures on project success criteria. To achieve this, nine risk mitigation measures and three project success criteria—cost performance, schedule performance and firm’s performance—were identified through a literature review. After verifying the identified risk mitigation measures and project success criteria with a preliminary study, a questionnaire was administered to experts who possess adequate knowledge in international construction projects. The collected data from 105 questionnaires were analyzed, grouped and modelled using factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM). Application of factor analysis to identify the correlated risk mitigation measures extracted three risk mitigation factors, namely pre-project planning, local participation and contract selection. Furthermore, the influence of risk mitigation factors on project success criteria is hypothesized and tested using SEM. Amongst the identified risk mitigation factors, local participation emerges as the most influencing factor on project success criteria followed by contract selection and pre-project planning. The generated model would enable construction firms from India and similar developing countries to focus on identified risk mitigation factors to achieve improved project success criteria and project management success.

CHALLENGES OF FRONT-END LOADING IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DELIVERY

Adopting a good pre-project planning or front-end loading method during the early stage of construction is important to the success of the project. However, most construction projects have failed as a result of poor project planning at their early stage. Based on this knowledge, this study assessed the challenges facing the use of front-end loading. The study adopted a quantitative survey approach and questionnaire was used to harness information on the objective of the study from construction professionals in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Data gathered were analysed using statistical tools such as percentage, mean score and standard deviation. Findings revealed that the major challenges affecting the use of front-end loading are inability to identify importance of the process, unreliable information during early project stages, insufficient time to thoroughly carry out the front-end loading process, indecisiveness or lack of knowledge by the client, and lack of structured project team during inception phases of the project. It is therefore recommended that the construction clients be made aware of the importance of front-end loading, while project team members should be introduced to the project from the early stage of the project.

Retrospective look on front-end planning in the construction industry: Aliterature review of 30 years of research

Academics and practitioners have paid close attention to front-end planning research, especially in the construction industry. It is known with many acronyms including pre-project planning and front-end loading. Since 1994, Construction Industry Institute (CII) has set front-end planning as one of themain research topicareas in their knowledge structure. A lot of research related to front-end planning and project scope definition has been conductedsince then. However, there lacks a comprehensive review of the currentstudies on the topic. Thus, the objective of this research was to undertake a comprehensive literature review of papers related to front-end planning. Reviewing 83 selected papers, this research raises several important issues regarding front-end planning such as the position of front-end planning in project life cycle, the differentiation between front-end planning and project planning, the significance of front-end planning, the front-end planning organization management, the front-end planning phases, the challenges in front-end planning implementation, and the identification of research gaps in front-end planning. The findings of this research contribute to furtherunderstanding of front-end planning andwould be useful for practitioners and academics to conduct further empirical studies on the subject matter.