Management Of Infrastructure Projects Research Articles

Ontologies representing multidisciplinary decision-making rationales for sustainable infrastructure developments

• Two ontologies are developed for multidisciplinary decision-making. • A tuple of 〈DMs〉, 〈DC〉, 〈DAs〉, and 〈SPIs〉 is proposed to represent MDM rationales. • They specify heterogeneous decision preferences in evaluating sustainability. • They are validated using case studies as formal, comprehensive, and reusable. • They serve as a decision support system for infrastructure professionals. A multidisciplinary decision-making (MDM) process is required for sustainable infrastructure developments in early design stage of integrated project delivery. Decision makers from multiple disciplines employ heterogeneous decision criteria when evaluating decision alternatives for the project developments. This results in uncertainty in alternative prioritization as the scoring ranges of sustainable performance indexes for those alternatives are indistinguishable. This study has formalized the rationales of decision coordinators for converting scores of sustainability performance indexes assessed by decision makers to the normalized ones based on their preferred decision criteria in a consistent and collective manner. Two ontologies have been formalized, which include 45 classes, 119 properties, 50 sub-properties and their facets. The ontologies are validated using three cases of sustainable infrastructure developments. Validation results indicate that they are formal, comprehensive, and reusable in representing MDM rationales, i.e., the interrelationships among decision makers, decision criteria, decision alternatives, and sustainability performance index. Theoretically, these two ontologies contribute to the Triple Bottom Line theory and social choice theory by specifying heterogeneous decision preferences in evaluating sustainable infrastructure developments. For practical implications, the developed ontologies serve as a computer-readable decision support tool to systematically store and communicate MDM information between multidisciplinary professionals in infrastructure project management.

Criticality of a regional airport development to mitigate covid-19 economic effects

The current COVID-19 crisis is having major impact on businesses across the world. This Insight focusses on investment in transport infrastructure as one of the key tools to enforce employment, businesses afloat and to maintain the productive capacity of the economy as well as maintain, and possibly increase, the attractiveness as business location. The challenges associated with the delivery and operation of complex transport infrastructure projects in today’s marketplace have been well documented in recent years. Decision making in planning and management of new transport infrastructure projects is complicated due to the different stakeholders involved in decision process, especially for restricted economic conditions and financing assumptions, where the project business plan performance is strongly related to regional development prospects. The paper provides an evaluation framework based on an ex-ante assessment framework of a new airport economic impact concentration to business ecosystem on one hand and the diversity of economic impact to business ecosystem on the other in the post COVID-19 era. The approach is essential to provide key messages to national governments, decision makers and stakeholders regarding the contribution of an airport investment towards regional economic development in terms of contribution to business ecosystem after COVID-19 pandemic. The case study adopted to illustrate the application of this methodology is a new regional airport with high seasonal traffic characteristics on the island of Crete in Greece, one of the most attractive tourist destinations in South-east Mediterranean.

Research on the Management of China's Rural Infrastructure Projects under the Background of Rural Revitalization Strategy

Agriculture is a fundamental industry in China, contributing to economic and social development and historical progress. Therefore, China has also put forward the strategy of revitalizing the countryside to develop agriculture. And to achieve rural revitalization, rural infrastructure projects must be carried out. This paper elaborates on the development of rural infrastructure projects, and then identifies the current problems in the management of rural infrastructure projects in China: the legal system of project management has not yet been improved, the project management is not standardized, the construction cost, the construction schedule and the project quality are not coordinated, and the bidding is not rigorous enough. Finally, we propose measures to solve the problem: continuously improve the engineering management system, enhance the quality and knowledge of construction personnel, strengthen the safety supervision of rural infrastructure projects, and establish a warranty system for rural infrastructure projects to promote the construction of rural infrastructure projects in China.

The role of polarseaworthiness in shipping planning for infrastructure projects in the Arctic: The case of Yamal LNG plant

The numerous Artic port industrial complex projects are currently marked by a lack of both railroad and road infrastructures and require a heavy cargo shipping service. Yet, navigation in the Arctic implies facing harsh sailing conditions. To prevent risk arising from this singular region, the IMO Polar Code imposes mandatory tools as the Polar Ship Certificate and suggests others such as POLARIS. At the crossroads of container and tramp market, scholars have paid little attention to the transportation of heavy cargo. The objective of this research is to assess the impact of the Polar Code policy framework and its tools on the management of a highly strategic project. To do so, we shall rely on the case of the transport and assembly of the Yamal LNG plant modules. Yamal LNG started its production in late 2019 and has already produced 19 million tons per year. The paper contemplates a ship routing and scheduling optimization model that considers different fleet types and ice conditions and applies the POLARIS Risk Index Outcome (RIO) in Arctic waters. Even though the modules are required on site in summer, due to the extreme weather conditions and limited accessibility in winter, our results highlight that the use of Polar Class vessels allowing year-round navigation in Arctic waters is critical to ensure the success of such projects. Indeed, Polar Class 3 vessels, as ships with the greatest possible “polarseaworthiness”, are capable of significantly reducing delays in project’s completion. It also emphasizes the paramount role of the Polar Code and related tools in the shipping risk management of Arctic infrastructure projects.

BIM-Based Methodology for the Management of Public Heritage. CASE Study: Algeciras Market Hall

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is modifying the workflow of the construction field, not only in design and construction stages but also for the management of the facilities. Most advances in academics and industry have focussed on the use of BIM for building. However, the possibilities of the use of three-dimensional information models for the construction and management of public works and civil engineering infrastructure projects (known as CIM) are still a matter of concern, being complex though offering a wider number of possibilities when compared with regular building industry. Moreover, the construction process in comparison with its lifespan represent only a small part of the investments for the use of public works. With this background, the possibilities based on BIM for the maintenance and rehabilitation of public heritage (HCIM) can greatly improve traditional management capabilities. Making best use of BIM and digitalisation for the management of public heritage (HCIM) requires creating tools for documentation, registering and data management to permit the adequate information transfer between the actors involved. Such actors may be experts or not and hold or not skills to use BIM tools. This study proposes the creation of a database to support the regular inspection during the lifespan of the infrastructure and connect it with the three-dimensional information model, serving the latter as an information repository of the whole life of the infrastructure. Such data include damage and causes as well as a description of the pathology and this information is referred to each element, showing all the historic measures taken. In addition, quantification and quotation of the repairs needed can be obtained. Lastly, the study has applied this methodology in Algeciras Market Hall, the notorious rationalist building designed by the engineer Eduardo Torroja and built in 1935. The results shown in this study can be of great interest for both researchers and practice, with an adaptation and innovation of the BIM and HCIM possibilities.

Adaptive approach to engineering infrastructure reconstruction program and project management

Standard approaches to managing projects and programs for the reconstruction of engineering infrastructure in a turbulent environment are ineffective due to the lack of possibilities to adapt to external and internal influences. Therefore, the purpose of the article was to characterize the application of the conception of adaptivity in managing such projects and programs and to analyse the means for its application in management processes. The research presented in this article was conducted using scientific methods of critical analysis, systems analysis, mathematical modelling, formalization, analysis, synthesis, graphical and abstract-logical methods. The main constraints in the development of the program architecture were identified. The influence of the application of the standard approach to planning and managing programs and projects for the reconstruction of engineering infrastructure on the increase of the probability of risk emergence was investigated. The tasks of managing programs and projects in the implementation of management as the manifestation of control action were formulated. The concepts of active and passive methods of adaptive program management were considered, a combined method that involves preliminary modelling of managerial influences and learning from the experience of exerting such control actions was developed. The means of adaptive program management were analysed, the expediency of their use in the management of programs for the reconstruction of engineering infrastructure at different stages of their implementation was determined. The results of the study can be used by managers of programs and projects for the reconstruction or modernization of engineering infrastructure to determine approaches to management and selection of adaptive management tools for different phases of implementation, and also provide a methodological basis for further research

Make-in-India and Industry 4.0: technology readiness of select firms, barriers and socio-technical implications

PurposeIn this research, the emphasis is multifold. First objective is to study differences amongst India's Make-in-India, Germany's Industry 4.0 and China's Made-in-China 2025 on a macro level. Second objective is to identify where does individual industry segment out of the five broad segments (prioritized by Make-in-India initiative) represented by ten firms in India stand in terms of adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. Third objective is to identify key barriers for each of these five industry segments. Finally, socio-technical interventions are also proposed aimed at faster adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methodological approach is followed to achieve the research objectives. First, for the macro-level comparison of three pertinent countries, extant research and industry literature have been relied upon. Thereafter, at a micro level, inputs from experts belonging to focal sectors are included in this study to ascertain the current level of readiness of adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and the barriers to adoption. Finally, the authors argue for and propose some socio-technical interventions that are aimed at mitigation of barriers for adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies.FindingsIt has been ascertained that amongst the ten firms (two each from given focal sectors) considered in the study, the automotive and the software firm are perhaps best placed to adopt the Industry 4.0 technology, while the infrastructure project management firm is least ready for Industry 4.0 technologies. The common barriers to adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, as elaborated by experts belonging to each of the ten firms, are also identified. These three commons barriers are resistance to change, unclear economic benefits and problems related to coordination and collaboration.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is one of first attempts to understand the nuances related to technology readiness across focal industries pertaining to the Make-in-India initiative and Industry 4.0. The study furthers the extant understanding of common and distinct barriers across industries. Employing the soft-systems methodology, the study advocates for a number of socio-technical interventions pertaining to establishment of e-skill ecosystem, community learning clusters and sector-focussed skill acquisition and augmentation. Since the study considers only two firms corresponding to each of the five focal sectors, including more firms across industries could have resulted in further validation of study as well.Practical implicationsContrasting the initiatives of the three countries results in identification of different thematic focus of the respective initiatives. While India's Make-in-India initiative has a strong social dimension, Germany's Industry 4.0 and Made-in-China 2025 have key objective related to integration of cyber-physical systems and to graduate to innovation-driven country, respectively. Further, analysis on the technology readiness for adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies based on the respective experts' assessment results in understanding of the underlying barriers.Social implicationsAdopting the soft-systems perspective linking nuances of stakeholders, socio-technical systems and socio-economic characteristics results in several propositions to further the social objectives of India's Make-in-India initiative. These propositions advocate for pathways in which extant strengths in terms of technology, people and existing socio-technical structures can be brought together to cater to the requirements related to employability and skill augmentation of new as well as existing workforce.Originality/valueExtant research literature is primarily focussed on certain specific topics within Industry 4.0 implementation and is mainly based on conceptual or theoretical basis. From a practitioners' perspective, only a few empirical papers could be found that too are typically focussed on single case studies resulting from pilot applications of Industry 4.0. However, such papers have not examined the broad implications of Industry 4.0 in terms of differences between key countries' manufacturing initiatives, readiness of key sectors, sectoral barriers and accompanying policy-level implications associated with implementation of Industry 4.0. Thus, the objective of this research is to abridge these research gaps.

Evaluation of Target Value Delivery and Opportunity Management as Complementary Practices

Opportunity management and Target Value Delivery (TVD) have both been studied extensively but separately. The two approaches have been presented as solutions for increasing value in a project for the owner and users. However, it seems there has not been much research that addresses the link between the two approaches. The purpose of this study is to increase knowledge of how TVD can facilitate opportunity management. The results from a literature review are compared with the practice in two cases: TVD in a large infrastructure project and opportunity management in a large building project. The results from the building project showed a lack of inherent motivation for change and innovation in the project organization. The identified opportunities were aimed mainly at maximizing the project’s operational value and keeping costs within the approved budget. TVD seems to handle this with extensive attention to maintain value for the end-users. Besides, the target cost element of TVD seems to complement opportunity management by creating incentives to be flexible about change and innovation. This paper’s originality is to combine two well-established approaches that have many similarities but have yet to be explored in relation to each other.

Impacto en la gestión y costos de los proyectos de infraestructura educativa bajo la revisión del SECOP I en el Departamento de Santander

Impacto en la gestión y costos de los proyectos de infraestructura educativa bajo la revisión del SECOP I en el Departamento de Santander

Participatory mapping and fishers’ knowledge about fish and shrimp migration in a subtropical coastal ecosystem

Fishers’ ecological knowledge (FEK) has contributed to studies on the reproduction and migration of fish and marine invertebrates. With increasing accessibility to information technologies, several surveys have begun to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to access FEK through participatory mapping. Scientific knowledge on migration of fishery resources is fundamental to properly support initiatives for fisheries management. However, the technologies available to study migration are usually expensive and require several years of sampling. Our objective was to use GIS to access FEK and to identify the migration patterns of five fishery resources in a subtropical coastal ecosystem of the Southern Atlantic Ocean: the white catfish - Genidens barbus, the fat snook - Centropomus parallelus, the common snook - Centropomus undecimalis, the Atlantic spadefish - Chaetodipterus faber and the white shrimp - Litopenaeus schmitti. We interviewed 132 fishers in the Paranaguá estuarine complex and its adjacent coastal zone, Brazil. Of these fishers, 39 participated in the participatory mapping process. Our results based on FEK indicated that the migration of fishery resources is reproductive and occurs mainly in the later spring and summer when the species enter or exit the estuarine complex from coastal zone. The participatory mapping results indicated that G. barbus and C. faber migrate from the coastal zone to the estuary, while Centropomus species and the shrimp L. schmitti exit the estuary towards the coastal zone. The information generated by FEK and the methods used should be considered in future studies on ethno ecological research and to understand reproductive migration of these species. Furthermore, these observations could support fisheries management and environmental impact assessment of infrastructure projects.

Exploring and Validating the Effects of Mega Projects on Infrastructure Development Influencing Sustainable Environment and Project Management.

The study is based on validating and exploring the effects of a mega project plan (CPEC) on infrastructure development and Sustainable Project Management. The CPEC has great importance to infrastructure development and economy-boosting. The current study's primary aim is to deal with environmental protection, economic boost up, international relations influencing to the Project's success. The paper also addressed project management as a moderator between environmental protection, economic boost up, international relations, and the CPEC project's success. The primary data has been gathered by using questionnaires, and PLS-SEM has been employed for the analysis. The results revealed that environmental protection, economy boost up, and international relations have a positive association with the success of CPEC. The outcomes also exposed that project management moderating among the nexus of economy boosts up the international relations and success of CPEC. The present study results guided how Pakistan and China make the CPEC project stronger with the efficient implementation of practices required for protecting the environment, with the economic growth and boost up, and good strong relations with foreign countries. This study was an attempt to validate the different factors to check their association with each other in a new environment, resulting in a leading edge for the success of mega projects that influence project management.

Development of models for segregation of infrastructure project management elements using a mono-template in safety-oriented management

A comprehensive study of the process of decomposition and segregation of infrastructure project management elements using a mono-template under the influence of changes and safety-oriented management was carried out. The use of project, program and portfolio management tools made it possible to generalize the process of structural decomposition of infrastructure projects and features of segregation of management elements using a mono-template and provisions of safety-oriented management. This is important because of the peculiarities of the formation and planning of infrastructure projects: content, structure requirements and values, among which safety is the key. Thus, a conceptual schematic model of a mono-template in safety-oriented management is developed, which includes three blocks of project management. This made it possible to improve the planning process of infrastructure projects. The schematic model is developed and the application of the filter system of elements and parameters of infrastructure project management in safety-oriented management is proposed. The system allows carrying out the process of segregation of the necessary elements and parameters of infrastructure project management with the use of a mono-template. The influence and consequences of application on the basis of project parameters are described. A formalized model of the segregation process of infrastructure project management elements and parameters at the level of a mono-template in safety-oriented management is presented. The process of transition of structurally decomposed management elements and parameters through the filter system is described. In the course of this process, the project factors of proactive management, internal project environment, changes and system resistance affect the formed structurally decomposed blocks of a mono-template. The models developed in the study complement the project management tools and provide an opportunity to carry out the process of planning infrastructure projects at a high-quality level

An Indicator System for Evaluating Operation and Maintenance Management of Mega Infrastructure Projects in China.

Mega infrastructure projects provide a basic guarantee for social development, economic construction, and livelihood improvement. Their operation and maintenance (O&M) management are of great significance for the smooth operation and the realization of the value created by the projects. In order to provide an approach for effectively evaluating O&M management, this study develops a holistic indicator system using a mixed-review method from the national macro perspective in China. In this study, literature analysis, policy texts, expert interviews, and grounded theory were used to collect relevant data at home and abroad, and establish an initial evaluation indicator system with 23 indicators covering two dimensions and five aspects. Then the questionnaire survey and factor analysis were used to score and categorize the indicators, and finally an evaluation indicator system for O&M management of mega infrastructure projects was formed. The results show that social relations, environmental benefits, macro policy, and operational capacities play an important role in the evaluation of the O&M of mega infrastructure projects. This study helps the management team to avoid negative impacts in the O&M management of mega infrastructure projects and lays a theoretical foundation for future research. The indicator system in this study is based on the Chinese context, and it remains to be verified whether the indicator system is applicable to other countries due to the differences in political and cultural backgrounds in different regions.

Revealing the hidden facets of normative assessments: improving the management of major infrastructure projects through engaged scholarship

PurposeThis study focuses on the dynamic relationship between organizational actors and engaged scholars involved in a normative assessment conducted in a public organization managing major projects.Design/methodology/approachWe build on a 15-month engaged scholarship experience carried out in the Ministry of Transport of Quebec. We explain and analyze the normative assessment process, using a storytelling approach and vignettes to explore four situated learning moments.FindingsThis study offers a deeper understanding of how normative assessment is conducted, and how situated and collective learning occur throughout. We find that both organizational actors and researchers learn through this process and synchronize their mutual learning such that researchers actually participate in a larger organizational transformation.Research limitations/implicationsLike any qualitative endeavor, this research is context-specific. We offer several research avenues to extend the applicability of findings.Practical implicationsThis article could inspire organizations and scholars to collaborate on normative assessment during organizational transformation. This approach is of particular interest in the context of a worldwide pandemic where public and private organizations all have to adapt to new sanitary, economic, technological and social realities.Social implicationsIn a context marked by growing concern for the research-practice gap and the relevance of scholarship, our study illustrates the development of a mutually beneficial collaboration between practitioners and researchers that enhances understanding of complex organizational phenomena and issues.Originality/valueThis research highlights the relevance of engaged scholarship and supports normative assessment as a social process to generate mutual learning.

The Impact of Energy Cooperation and the Role of the One Belt and Road Initiative in Revolutionizing the Geopolitics of Energy among Regional Economic Powers: An Analysis of Infrastructure Development and Project Management

This paper examines how the latest mega plan and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will impact the geopolitics of energy and infrastructural development. With a massive change in the supply and demand of global energy and its infrastructure, the transition of international energy order is in the making. While the US is going towards a more isolationist path from its traditional superpower role, there are rising economies such as China, India, Japan, and Russia which are undoubtedly playing a vital role in the geopolitical stage and the other development endeavors. Several regions such as Central Asia, the Arctic, Eastern Mediterranean, and the South China Sea are offering substantial natural gas and oil reserves and drawing global attention to develop energy cooperation. This situation is profoundly influencing the transition of energy order. In this transition, BRI is supposed to play an important role. As a mega development strategy with a robust geostrategic dimension, it purposes to advocate interconnectivity collaboration in framework, exchange, and advancement among the partaking nations. This super arrangement offers a lot of ventures, foundation developments, and modern reconciliation in the energy sector. The country is trying to establish a multilateral platform for endorsing and shielding energy cooperation under BRI. This paper, therefore, attempts to observe how this mega plan will contribute to reshaping the existing energy order as well as the geopolitics of energy with motivation on multifaceted energy collaboration.

Discussion and Research on informatization of Power Grid Infrastructure Project management

With the rapid development of China’s economy, the electric energy demand is increasing, and in recent years, it has been in the stage of rapid construction of power grid projects. Xiongan New Area begins to build substantively, and its tremendous leading and demonstration effect will gradually play a role. In the future, power grid construction will surely develop towards higher quality and efficiency. It is an inevitable trend to adopt advanced information technology to carry out project management. This paper will elaborate the related contents of power grid infrastructure project management and information management, make a thorough analysis of the current situation of power grid infrastructure project management informatization, discuss several factors that restrict the development of information technology, and put forward substantive suggestions for improving information management. Finally, this paper presents a management information system for power grid infrastructure projects.

Locating the public interest in mega infrastructure planning: The case of Sydney’s WestConnex

In Western liberal democracies the planning of mega transport infrastructure projects is guided by public interest claims typically expressed through legislation and political mandates. But with the infrastructure boom being observed in many cities since the Global Financial Crisis, and the need to address unprecedented levels of urbanisation, the level of politicisation directed at infrastructure projects draws attention to how the public interest is treated in the planning and management of complex mega transport infrastructure projects in diverse local contexts. Looking to Sydney, an advanced neoliberal city building the largest transport infrastructure project in Australian history, we examine how public interest is asserted in a way that reinforces legitimacy of the process and consensus for the project. Under these conditions, planners fail or are unwilling to raise additional or new public interest issues. The vagaries of public interest mean that in being open to interpretation the public interest can be easily captured by the interests of capital and of ruling politicians. This raises important questions for urban studies about the role governments and, in particular, public-sector planners can play in advocating for actually existing public interest issues such as environmental sustainability without it amounting to just rhetoric with no follow through.

HYBRID INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGIES

The subject of this article is the development of hybrid methodologies for managing projects, programs and project portfolios. Significant reductions in the life cycles of infrastructure programs, which contain projects of different lines of activity and different management methodologies, for example, waterfalls with a rigid life cycle and Agile with a flexible methodology life cycle, require the use of convergence tools to form “hybrid” methodologies. The goal is to develop a convergent approach to building hybrid project management methodologies in terms of decision-making processes in project management based on various platforms. Results of the studies were obtained using a convergent approach to building methodologies for managing infrastructure projects and programs. A substantial model of the resulting hybrid methodology for managing infrastructure projects and programs is presented. Conclusions: Hybrid methodologies for managing infrastructure projects and programs are becoming more popular in this category of programs. The main reason is the presence in the program of components with different life cycles, and, consequently, methodologies that require integration and harmonization. The methodology is tested by the practice of using mechanisms of hybrid multilevel management of infrastructure projects and programs. The study of hybrid infrastructural program management methodologies is defined by the practice of introducing different components of programs. The application of the hybrid project management methodology allowed the authors to execute different projects in essence within the stipulated timeframe with the given budget and quality of construction projects and projects of creation of information and communication infrastructure management systems. Further areas of research are related to the elaboration of harmonization, integration, convergence and actualization mechanisms.

Green infrastructure needs green governance: Lessons from Australia’s largest integrated stormwater management project, the River Torrens Linear Park

The River Torrens Catchment in Adelaide has suffered from poor water quality and flooding for decades. To address these challenges, a green infrastructure project, specifically a Linear Park, was created within the catchment. Although the project has functioned reasonably well since its implementation, its complex nature poses several management challenges. Despite the scale of this project, there is little scholarly literature available. Hence, to analyse these management challenges, this paper reviews the original project documentation, as well as regulations and policy documents together with findings from interviews with key project informants. The aim is to investigate the key drivers for implementation; the major stakeholders involved; and the challenges emerging from the multidimensional attributes of the project. The challenges relate to the inconsistent and informal management structure, the involvement of multiple stakeholders, and pressure from surrounding development. The challenges are further grouped under four main themes, including communication and collaboration, project design goals, institutional and political frameworks, and planning and development regulations. This paper argues that green governance is the key to the successful implementation and management of sustainable green infrastructure projects. The findings from this case study can inform policymakers, planners and researchers to propose appropriate scenarios to manage urban stormwater and to reclaim neglected waterways.

Research on management information system of capital construction project in large hospital

Hospital infrastructure project management information system is a project management information system, which is based on scientific management system and covers all departments of the hospital, including supervision, design, civil engineering, equipment and other construction units.This paper focuses on the subject of the bidding management of the information management system of the hospital infrastructure construction and the high-performance management system of the hospital infrastructure construction, aiming at the problems of large business volume, complex management process, difficult bidding management, and information can not be shared in time.