Complex Projects Research Articles

Overcoming IT Project Challenges: An Integrated Model of Characteristics, Leadership, and Complexity

ABSTRACT This study investigates how the ability of an IT project manager (PM) to apply effective transformational and transactional leadership behaviors improves project outcomes. Specifically, we model IT project characteristics (type and innovativeness), IT project leadership behaviors (transformational and transactional), and IT project complexities (interaction, faith, and fact) on the IT project outcome (scope, budget, and timeline). We validate our model using data collected from 111 IT project professionals.

Software Project Management and Their Economic Evaluation in terms of Enterprise Sustainability

Nowadays, we are witnessing that projects, computers and software as an integral part of them infiltrates or rather ruthlessly penetrates all spheres of business and daily life of a modern society and directs enterprise development, efficiency, productivity, competitiveness, image and ultimately in a way their very existence. In recent decades, the software industry and its products have become one of the factors without which the normal operation of contemporary economies cannot be imagined, however, software development often presents almost insurmountable difficulties.The research is related exactly to the analysis of software projects and their impact in the sustainability of enterprises. It is difficult to imagine any enterprise that claims to be competitive, to prepare, realize and monitor their projects without software support, be it standard software or specially developed for the needs of the enterprise, where software development comes into play. During the research combined methods are utilized. The methodology used includes the theoretical analysis which is based on the current literature from this field, followed by "case studies" that deal with the development of software projects in Kosovo by conducting interviews with their IT managers using face to face and semi structured interviews and finally based on gathered data the development of a concrete software project has been simulated. Finally the outcome from research is that always software development has to be identified with the project objectives of the project contractors and aims to meet their requirements and expectations. Software project team’s work for years in the development of complex and professional software projects, where competence in the relevant field as well as motivation play a key role in the development of successful business projects.

Deimplementation of Ineffective and Harmful Medical Practices: A Data-Driven Commentary.

Deimplementation is the discontinuation or abandonment of medical practices that are ineffective or of unclear effectiveness, ranging from simply unhelpful to harmful. With epidemiology expanding to include more translational sciences, epidemiologists can contribute to deimplementation through defining evidence, establishing causality, and advising on study design. An estimated 10-30% of healthcare practices have minimal to no benefit to patients and should be targeted for deimplementation. The steps in deimplementation are: 1) identify low-value clinical practices, 2) facilitate the deimplementation process, 3) evaluate deimplementation outcomes, and 4) sustain deimplementation, each of which is a complex project. Deimplementation science involves researchers, healthcare and clinical stakeholders, and patient and community partners affected by the medical practice. Increasing collaboration between epidemiologists and implementation scientists is important to optimizing health care delivery.

Enhancing Open BIM Interoperability: Automated Generation of a Structural Model from an Architectural Model

Building information modelling (BIM) is an appreciated technology in the field of architecture and construction management. Collaboration of information in BIM has not been fully utilized in the structural engineering stream as many engineers keep on working with previous prevailing design approaches. Failure to adequately facilitate automation in design could lead to structural defects, construction rework, or even structural clashes, with major financial implications. Given the inherent complexity of large-scale construction projects, the ‘manual design and detailing’ of structure is a challenging task and prone to human errors. Against this backdrop, this study developed a 4D building information management approach to facilitate automated structural models for professionals designing all the elements required in reinforced concrete (RC) structures like slabs, beams, and columns. The main contribution of this study is to obtain structural models directly from architecture models automatically, which reduces effort and possible errors in the previous prevailing approaches. The framework enables execution of all the model design works automatically through coding. This is achieved by executing a script which is beneficial for integrated project delivery (IPD). The 3D structural model in BIM software presented in this study extracts and transfers the geometrical data and links these data in Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) files using integration facilitated by Python 3.6 and IFCopenshell. The developed automated programme framework offers a cost-effective and accurate methodology to address the limitations and inefficiencies of traditional methods of structural modelling, which had been carried out manually. The authors have developed a novel tool to extract structural models from architectural models without proprietary software, greatly benefiting BIM managers by enhancing 3D BIM models. This advancement toward Open BIM, crucial for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry’s future, is accessible to educators and beginners and highlights BIM’s effectiveness in improving structural analysis and productivity. The core finding of this study is to generate a structural model from an architecture model by automating the script with Python integration of IFC and IFCopenshell. The merits of the developed framework are reduced clashes, more economical structural modelling, and fully automated smart work as functions of the IPD.

Old building reconstruction initiatives: how community information dissemination and community involvement mitigate the project complexity

Old building reconstruction initiatives are instrumental in achieving sustainable urban regeneration, yet they often grapple with substantial complexities concerning community involvement. A review of the existing literature presented a lack of studies examining how community engagement influences project complexity. This research aims to bridge this gap by investigating the interrelationship between community involvement, project complexity, and the impact of community information dissemination. A comprehensive set of measurement items was initially developed through a literature review and discussions with experienced practitioners to form the questionnaire survey. Subsequently, data collected from 168 respondents were subjected to analysis employing the Structural Equation Modeling method. The empirical findings provide compelling evidence of negative relationships between community information dissemination and community involvement with project complexity. Furthermore, the study highlights a positive relationship between community information dissemination and community involvement. This research underscores the pivotal roles of community engagement and information sharing in the quest for sustainable urban regeneration. It emphasizes the critical significance of transparent communication, community participation, and empowerment as indispensable components within OBR projects, all contributing to the broader achievement of sustainable urban regeneration.

Public involvement in an aggregate and individual participant data meta-analysis of mindfulness-based programmes for mental health promotion

BackgroundInvolving the public in evidence synthesis research is challenging due to the highly analytic nature of the projects, so it is important that involvement processes are documented, reflected upon, and shared to devise best practices. There is a literature gap on the involvement of the public in individual participant data meta-analyses, particularly in public health projects. We aimed to document and reflect on our collective experiences of involving and being involved as public stakeholders at all stages of a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis project.MethodsWe formed a stakeholder group made of four members of the public at the beginning of our evidence synthesis project comprising a systematic review, an aggregate data meta-analysis, and an individual participant data meta-analysis of mindfulness-based programmes for mental health promotion in non-clinical adults. Following each group meeting, members and participating researchers completed written reflections; one group member collected and collated these. At the end of the project, a reflective writing workshop was held before all members completed their final reflections. Everyone completed an adapted, open-ended questionnaire which asked about what did and did not work well, the overall experience, what could be improved, and the felt impact the stakeholder group had on the research.ResultsOverall, the stakeholders and researchers reported a positive experience of working together. Positives from the stakeholders’ point of view included learning new skills, experiencing research, and making new friends. For the researchers, stakeholders helped them focus on what matters to the public and were reinvigorating research partners. The challenges stakeholders experienced included having long gaps between meetings and feeling overwhelmed. The researchers found it challenging to strike the balance between asking stakeholders to be involved and for them to learn research-related skills without overburdening them and making sure that the learning was engaging. When looking back at their experience, stakeholders described seeing their impact on the project in hindsight but that this was not felt while the project was being carried out.ConclusionSuccessfully involving the public in complex evidence synthesis projects is possible and valuable from the points of view of the researchers and the stakeholders. However, it requires a significant time, skill, and resource investment that needs to be factored in from project inception. Further guidance and stakeholder training materials would be helpful. Specific suggestions are provided.

State complexity bounds for projection, shuffle, up- and downward closure and interior on commutative regular languages

We consider the state complexity of projection, shuffle, up- and downward closure and interior on commutative regular languages. We deduce the state complexity bound n|Σ| for upward closure and downward interior, and (2nm)|Σ|, (nm)|Σ|, (n+m−1)|Σ| and (n+m−2)|Σ| for the shuffle on commutative regular, group, aperiodic and finite languages, respectively, with state complexities n and m over the alphabet Σ. We do not know whether these bounds are sharp. For projection, downward closure and upward interior, we give the sharp bound n. Our results are obtained by using the index and period vectors of a regular language, which we introduce in the present work and investigate w.r.t. the above operations and also union and intersection. Furthermore, we characterize the commutative aperiodic and commutative group languages in terms of these parameters and prove that a commutative regular language equals a finite union of shuffle products of commutative finite and commutative group languages.

Behavioral Decision-Making in Project Complexity: A Meta-Cognition Perspective

Behavioral Decision-Making in Project Complexity: A Meta-Cognition Perspective

Selection of agile project management approaches based on project complexity

AbstractManaging software development projects is a complex endeavor due to the constant emergence of unforeseen events that deviate from initial expectations. A competent project leader is not just someone who follows the planned course but also adept at handling and minimizing inconveniences, ultimately striving to achieve results that align as closely as possible with the desired outcome. However, individuals involved in technological development often cling to familiar tools that have previously yielded positive outcomes, even when those tools may not be the best fit for the current project context. The Agile Manifesto has significantly transformed project management, infusing the discipline with a fresh perspective. Nevertheless, there remain several challenges to overcome. In this article, we aim to provide a guide that addresses these difficulties and minimizes their impact. We explore the selection of key factors that adequately describe a project's complexity, which can subsequently be used in conjunction with the Cynefin framework to categorize management strategies, techniques, and tools based on their applicability to specific complexities. Additionally, we offer insights on adapting project management approaches throughout the project life cycle in response to changes in reality, utilizing the dynamics outlined by the Cynefin framework. Finally, we present suitable strategies, techniques, and tools for agile project management based on the complexity context assigned by the Cynefin framework.

Dealing with the ever-increasing intricacies of mega and complex projects: a survey of AAMI Park

Complexity science brings together differing paradigms and thoughts. It has attracted academic interest as a means of understanding complex social and technological phenomena. The emergence of increasingly complex building design, construction, and technologies is posing numerous challenges for professionals. This paper utilizes complexity science, and the practical application of complexity theories, to holistically evaluate the development of a unique major sporting stadium, known as AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia. The authors assess this project’s complexity and rank it on a complexity scale to illustrate the level of knowledge and expertise required to deliver such projects. AAMI Park’s most dominant and complex feature, the bio-frame roof, which was innovative at the time, posed unique challenges, and therefore, authors also evaluate the constraints and specific project delivery methods developed to best manage its complications. Since the adaptive management approach was used for this project, this paper assesses this approach to recommend enhanced delivery methodologies for similar future projects. Further, since the design of this project was the first of a kind, the authors seek to identify the level of project complexity and its success through the lens of complexity theory.

Project management tools in renewable energy integration: A review of U.S. perspectives

The integration of renewable energy into the U.S. electricity grid is a multifaceted challenge that demands innovative project management approaches. This review article explores the current landscape of renewable energy integration in the United States, emphasizing the diversity of renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass. It examines the state of integration, highlighting significant progress and persistent challenges, particularly in grid stability, regional variations, and regulatory frameworks. Key stakeholders, including federal and state agencies, utilities, independent power producers, and advocacy organizations, play pivotal roles in shaping the renewable energy sector. The article delves into the critical importance of project management, outlining how effective coordination, risk mitigation, and performance optimization are essential for successful project execution. Various tools and techniques, including advanced analytics, agile methodologies, and stakeholder engagement strategies, are analyzed for their effectiveness in navigating the complexities of renewable energy projects. The review also addresses the emerging trends and innovations in project management, such as the adoption of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sustainability-focused frameworks, which are poised to revolutionize the sector. It concludes with practical recommendations for project managers, emphasizing the need for flexibility, technological awareness, stakeholder collaboration, and data-driven decision-making to overcome challenges and drive the transition to a sustainable energy future. By providing a comprehensive overview and actionable insights, this article aims to equip project managers and stakeholders with the knowledge needed to successfully integrate renewable energy into the U.S. grid, thereby contributing to the nation's goal of a resilient and sustainable energy system. Keywords: Renewable Energy, Project Management, Grid Integration, Stakeholder Engagement, Sustainability, Technological Advancements, Energy Transition, Review.

How clients choose procurement strategies and organizational control systems in the Swedish housing sector

Purpose This paper aims to examine how different contextual contingency factors and organizational goals influence construction clients’ decision-making when procuring contractors in the housing sector. More specifically, it investigates how clients’ choice of procurement strategies and organizational control systems is contingent upon various contextual factors and organizational goals. Design/methodology/approach It is based on an explorative interview study of clients and contractors in the Swedish housing sector underpinned by a review of organizational control literature. Findings The client's knowledge and resources, as well as project complexity and uncertainty, are the most important contextual contingency factors, while property management and sustainable development are the most important organizational goals that housing clients consider when designing procurement strategies. Research limitations/implications The paper contributes to the understanding of how construction clients choose procurement strategies, by providing new insights into effects of the mentioned contextual contingency factors and organizational goals on clients’ choice of control systems through their procurement strategies. Practical implications Property owners who continuously procure housing projects with sustainability requirements and high degrees of complexity and uncertainty should develop knowledge and resources related to their client role, to enable the design and implementation of appropriate procurement strategies. Originality/value Novel aspects of the paper are the demonstration of the value of a holistic approach, considering both contextual contingency factors and organizational goals, when selecting control systems and explicit discussion of how the client's knowledge and resources influence possibilities to implement different control systems.

Critical Evaluation of the Contract Selection Process Used in the Construction Industry of Kuwait

The paper investigates and assesses the contract selection procedure used in Kuwait’s construction sector. The ideas and insights of engineers involved in significant Kuwaiti construction projects will be extensively considered. In the Kuwaiti building sector, various ways of choosing the contract form will be discussed. In order to gather pertinent data about the country’s primary construction projects, questionnaires will be used. This methodology ensures a first-hand account of the challenges and preferences within the industry. This data will be analyzed to determine the best ways to enhance the current system utilized for Kuwaiti building contracts for the choice of contract forms and payment terms that could benefit from the inclusion of measures to guarantee those types of task delivery systems and payment terms in the country’s future construction projects. This paper explores the typical contract types and payment mechanisms used in Kuwait, drawing on a thorough analysis of current literature, governmental regulations, and business practices. The Standard Forms of Contract, which offer fixed-priced payments, have become the most popular option. However, when used for extensive and technically challenging projects, this contract form’s simplicity presents difficulties. Additionally, the existing system encourages contract awards based on the lowest tender, which raises questions regarding appropriateness and proportionality. The study suggests an arsenal of criteria for improving the deal selection process, with an emphasis on diverse terms of payment inside the task delivery system, in order to allay these worries. It highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach for deal selection that takes project complexity, financial constraints, and long-term project interest into account. The proposed criteria additionally include adaptability to project complexity, ensuring flexibility for challenges in large projects. Financial considerations, aligning with budgetary requirements, are crucial. The emphasis is on long-term project success, and finding a balance between simplicity and adaptability in contracts is key. These comprehensive criteria aim to improve decision-making in selecting standard contract forms for construction projects, addressing challenges in large, technically demanding endeavors in Kuwait. This research contributes to the field by introducing a novel set of criteria for contract selection, tailored to the Kuwaiti construction context. The study’s originality lies in its approach to addressing the challenges posed by current practices and its focus on refining the system for future projects. Additionally, the study employs a rigorous questionnaire survey to extract firsthand insights from industry professionals, ensuring a robust and contextually relevant exploration of the contract selection landscape in Kuwait’s construction sector.

Assessment of Risk Factors in Condominium Buildings Construction in Metro Manila using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

The rapid urbanization of Metro Manila led to a surge in condominium construction projects, which, despite offering efficient housing solutions, faced significant challenges due to dense urban environment, susceptibility to natural disasters & the health and safety issues related to accidents, losses, injuries, damages, and/or delays arising during the execution of a project which may adversely affect its success. This study explored the efficacy of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in assessing and prioritizing risks specific to Metro Manila's condominium construction projects, addressing a critical gap in current risk assessment methodologies. The study engaged mixed methods, integrating Meta-Analysis, Experts Consultation, and AHP, to identify and prioritize Risk Factors (RFs) in condominium construction projects. A systematic review through meta-analysis revealed nine critical RFs, including Technical/Design, Financial/Economic, Environmental, Regulatory/Legal, Socio-Political, Logistics/Supply Chain, Management/Supervision, Quality, and Health and Safety Risks. Inputs from experts from a diverse group of qualified professionals had been pooled to validate these findings. Through AHP analysis, risks specific to Metro Manila's condominium construction projects were revealed, with Health and Safety Risk (19.52%), Quality Risk (15.97%) and Management/Supervision Risk (15.77%) as the major concerns. An internal consistency of 0.71% attested to the reliability testing of the results. Given the complexity of condominium construction projects, this study responds to an important demand: a more systemic understanding of risk factors. Moreover, this study is relevant to further enhance and improve sustainability in condominium projects as well as performance of the construction industry.

Talking past each other: Institutional complexity in public projects

Large-scale public projects often experience delays and cost overruns, in part because they require extensive coordination between numerous organizations, both private and public. In this paper, we draw on the perspective of new institutionalism to explore differences between stakeholders in large-scale projects. We develop a topic modeling approach based on a state-of-the-art computational text analysis technique and apply it to a set of transcripts from parliamentary select committee hearings in the United Kingdom to uncover cultural-cognitive differences that reflect a variety of institutional logics. The application of this technique to four different projects reveals significant institutional differences between groups of actors. We argue that greater awareness of these institutional differences may support attempts to understand why large-scale projects experience such significant management challenges and how such challenges could be addressed. We use data for the period 2000–2019 from two different sectors, defence, and public transport.

Advancements in project management methodologies: Integrating agile and waterfall approaches for optimal outcomes

Advancements in project management methodologies have revolutionized the way organizations execute complex projects, aiming for optimal outcomes amidst evolving challenges and dynamic environments. This paper explores the integration of Agile and Waterfall approaches as a strategic response to enhance project effectiveness and efficiency. Traditionally, Waterfall methodology has been predominant in industries requiring structured planning and predictable outcomes. Its sequential phases—requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and deployment—ensure a methodical progression from initiation to completion. However, its rigidity in accommodating changes during the project lifecycle has been a notable limitation in fast-paced industries where flexibility and rapid adaptation are paramount. In contrast, Agile methodology emerged as a transformative alternative, particularly suited for projects with uncertain or evolving requirements. Agile emphasizes iterative development cycles, continuous stakeholder engagement, and adaptive planning. These principles enable teams to respond swiftly to changes, deliver incremental value, and maintain high levels of transparency and collaboration throughout the project. Recognizing the strengths of both methodologies, practitioners have increasingly advocated for their integration—a hybrid approach that harnesses the structured planning of Waterfall with the adaptive flexibility of Agile. This integration allows organizations to capitalize on Waterfall's clarity in project scope and deliverables while leveraging Agile's responsiveness to customer feedback and evolving market demands. Key challenges in integrating these methodologies include reconciling differences in project planning, managing stakeholder expectations across iterative cycles, and aligning team dynamics to embrace a blended approach. Effective integration strategies often involve clear delineation of phases suitable for Waterfall and Agile, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, and utilizing project management tools that support hybrid methodologies. Successful case studies illustrate the benefits of this integrated approach, including accelerated time-to-market, improved product quality, enhanced stakeholder satisfaction, and optimized resource allocation. Moreover, organizations that adopt hybrid methodologies demonstrate resilience in navigating uncertainties and complexities, positioning themselves competitively in dynamic markets. In conclusion, the integration of Agile and Waterfall methodologies represents a paradigm shift in project management, offering a holistic framework that balances structured planning with adaptive execution. As industries continue to evolve, embracing hybrid approaches promises to drive innovation, improve project outcomes, and sustain long-term organizational success. Keywords: Advancement, Project Management, Methodologies, Integrating Agile, Waterfall Approaches.

The impact of cross-organizational private relationships on cooperative behavior in construction projects: evidence from Chinese construction industry

PurposeAntagonistic relationship among the participants of construction projects has significantly improved, and further improving cooperation quality are committed. In this context, expanding new ways to improve cooperation quality has become a new topic in cooperation research. This study is dedicated to exploring the mechanism of cross-organizational private relationships on cooperative behaviors, which is rarely addressed in current research on construction projects, and provides reference for the rational use of cross-organizational private relationships.Design/methodology/approachBased on analysis of studies related to relational governance theory, institutional theory and project complexity, this study constructs the theoretical model. This study uses survey data from 395 construction professionals in China to test the theoretical model by using structural equation modeling (SEM) and explains the direct and indirect mechanism of cross-organizational private relationships on cooperation behavior.Findings(1) Cross-organizational private relationships have direct and indirect facilitating effect on cooperation behavior. (2) Relational norms as mediating variables contribute to the expansion of the positive effects of cross-organizational private relationships on cooperation behavior. (3) Institutional environment and project complexity have the moderating effect between cross-organizational private relationships and cooperation behavior.Originality/valueThis research investigates the impact mechanisms and boundary conditions of cross-organizational private relationships at the micro level on the cooperative behaviors in construction projects and conducts empirical research. It is a topic that has not been adequately researched in the field of project management. The research results expand the scope of research on relational governance and deepen the research on the antecedents of relational norms. It provides the base for the proposed contingency theory of relational governance.

A framework for leadership practices and communication in the context of the construction sector

An ongoing debate in the leadership domain underscores the prevalence of project failures globally, prompting project managers to refine leadership strategies and create innovative practices to navigate project complexities, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, evolving stakeholder expectations, shifting construction landscape, and brittle, anxious, nonlinear and incompressible environment challenges in the construction industry. This study aims to provide insights into the relationship mechanisms between leadership practices, communication, and project success, introducing a framework for behavioral practices to address challenges in the Australian construction industry, such as project complexities, inefficiencies, cash flow disruptions, supply chain issues, communication barriers, cultural diversity, digitalization, and regulatory protocols compliance. Exploratory factors/multivariate regression analysis on collected responses on 66 projects have identified four critical success factors: relationship management, communication effectiveness, leading by example, and self-management that impact and improve project success significantly using relationship and conflict management as mediators, help formulate creative practices using stakeholder analysis, conflict resolution strategies, and promoting collaboration enhancing the decision-making process to overcome challenges. Researchers validated and confirmed results through in-depth interviews with independent practitioners, encouraging project managers to modify behavioral practices using an explicit model for enhancing project success.

Key Points and Difficulties in the Management of a New Guangzhou 12th People’s Hospital Branch

During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, to improve medical and health services, the Guangzhou Municipal government invested billions in medical construction. During that time, Guangzhou was renewing its approval procedures for construction projects, and the COVID-19 outbreak changed the requirements of hospital construction. In addition to focusing more on spatial planning and layout, the integration of specialized departments, large-scale medical equipment, and numerous intelligent systems increased the complexity of hospital construction projects. The success of these projects often hinges on the quality of the management team. If a hospital construction project manager lacks experience and an understanding of the project’s key aspects, they may struggle with organization, management, and problem-solving, leading to rework, resource waste, and delays. This paper uses the construction of a new Guangzhou 12th People’s Hospital branch as an example to describe the key points and difficulties in each stage of project construction and proposes solutions for the management of similar projects in the future.

The construction-related project management evolution and its future research directions

PurposeProject management (PM) involves planning, allocating, directing and controlling project resources within a set of predetermined objectives. The modern definition of PM has evolved and grown into a broader concept. This paper supports the notion that PM evolved into four distinct phases: PM 1.0 is primarily concerned with planning, PM 2.0 with collaboration, PM 3.0 with proactive adaptation and PM 4.0 with using innovative technologies. Research efforts tackled critical aspects of PM, but none of them provided a clear foundation for the full context of PM principles and how they complement one another. This study fills this knowledge gap by investigating the evolution of PM over time.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected a dataset of research papers between 1960 and 2022 and performed a bibliometric analysis on the collected dataset to isolate the main trends that define the evolution of PM phases.FindingsResults show that all PM phases overlap in terms of overarching themes, concepts, principles and contributions. More importantly, PM 5.0 may be around the corner to facilitate effective and efficient handling of time, cost, scope and risks within the ever-growing complexity of project initiatives.Originality/valueThis paper provides a data-driven study for a holistic understanding of the key trends in PM and the associated expectations of future research directions. This will be of interest to stakeholders within the overall PM domain and multidisciplinary work related to the construction industry.