Sustainable Project Management Research Articles

Sustainability in Project Management Practices

The intersection between sustainability and project management has received significant attention as organizations recognize the criticality of incorporating sustainability practices into their projects. However, incorporating sustainability considerations presents some challenges, requiring the development and adoption of methods, tools and techniques tailored to address sustainability at the project level. Against this backdrop, this study endeavors to develop an understanding of the effective incorporation of sustainability within projects through the micro-level perspective of practices. An online survey was developed based on a comprehensive literature review of which a total of 107 valid responses were collected and analyzed. The results show the most useful sustainable project management practices perceived by experienced project professionals, including ‘Sustainability team management’, ‘Lessons learned towards sustainability’ and ‘Sustainability risk register’, among others. However, a data analysis reveals a prevailing trend marked by the limited perceived usefulness of sustainability practices in the context of project management. Furthermore, through exploratory factor analysis, a clear classification of sustainable project management practices was identified, according to the specific phases of the common project management lifecycle: ‘Initiation and planning’, ‘Execution, monitoring, controlling and replanning’ and ‘Closure’. By providing a set of sustainable project management practices and identifying the underlying factors that elucidate the incorporation of sustainable project management practices across the project management lifecycle, this study extends a guiding hand to practitioners in pursuing successful sustainability integration in their projects. It vividly illustrates that sustainability can be readily incorporated into project-management processes, delivering sustainable products and/or services in a sustainable way, combining both the ‘sustainability of the project’ and ‘sustainability by the project’ perspectives.

Bibliometric Analysis of Key Issues and Objectives in Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainable Project Management

The environmental, economic, and social sustainability of construction project management was researched through a literature review in this study. This paper aimed to analyze the trends in studies about issues in sustainable project management and to research the importance and components of environmental, economic, and social sustainability and their interrelationships. In the scope of the bibliometric analysis, the articles were analyzed by their publication years, authors, authors' countries, authors' organizations, and keyword occurrences. Then, the problems in ensuring the sustainability of construction project management and suggestions for overcoming these problems were reviewed. In previous studies, high energy and raw material consumption and waste became the main factors that prevented environmental sustainability. A strong relationship was found between economic sustainability and life cycle cost assessment, and effective stakeholder engagement is considered the major contributor to the social sustainability of construction management. Sustainability regulations and policies, managerial capabilities, and organizational learning also have critical significance for achieving sustainable construction. The dimensions of sustainability in construction management are closely related to one another, and each one is crucial to achieving the other aspects of sustainability in construction projects. Therefore, a comprehensive strategy that takes into account social, economic, and environmental sustainability criteria should be adopted in construction project management.

Assessing the Influence of Cost on the Implementation of Tetfund Projects in Selected Public Universities in Nigeria

The Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) strike in Nigeria has highlighted the need for improved funding options for public institutions, particularly in the education sector. A study on TETFUND projects in the Southeast found that project success and cost performance are crucial for building projects. The study used a census technique, questionnaires, and content validity to confirm the instrument's inclusivity and relevance to strategic leadership and project management sustainability. The study reveals that the cost of every project is important, regardless of funding, and that cost availability has hindered any TETfund project at State universities in South-East, Nigeria.The majority of respondents strongly agreed that cost determines whether a TETfund project is completed with or without a supervisor, and that cost gives contractors more chance of income during the TETfund project period. Furthermore, the cost of the project motivates workers to complete it within an appropriate period. The analysis shows that TETfund cost has a positive effect on the completion rate of projects across State Universities in SouthEast, Nigeria, with an average mean value of 3.65>3.00. The test of hypotheses showed that TETfund cost has no significant positive effect on the completion rate of projects across State Universities in South-East, Nigeria. The results showed that the model in this table has a statistically significant positive effect, and the alternate conclusion is accepted, as TETfund cost had a significant positive effect on the completion rate of the project across State Universities.

Editorial: Innovation and lean practices for sustainable construction project management; emerging technologies, strategies and challenges

Editorial: Innovation and lean practices for sustainable construction project management; emerging technologies, strategies and challenges

Moderating Role of Sustainable Leadership on the Relationship Between Sustainable Project Management and Success: An Empirical Test in Public Sector Development Program

Moderating Role of Sustainable Leadership on the Relationship Between Sustainable Project Management and Success: An Empirical Test in Public Sector Development Program

A review of sustainable project management practices in modern LNG industry initiatives

This paper presents a comprehensive review of sustainable project management practices within the modern LNG industry, aiming to analyze the strategies, challenges, and opportunities associated with sustainable development in LNG initiatives. The literature review encompasses an examination of sustainable project management principles, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability in LNG projects. Case studies from various LNG initiatives worldwide are analyzed to identify best practices and frameworks for integrating sustainability into project management methodologies. These studies highlight innovative approaches such as carbon footprint reduction, community engagement programs, and economic diversification strategies, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of sustainable project management in the LNG sector. Methodologically, this review adopts a systematic approach, utilizing established criteria for selecting and analyzing relevant literature and case studies. Data collection methods include extensive literature searches and case study analysis to gather insights into the implementation and effectiveness of sustainable project management practices in the LNG industry. The findings reveal a growing trend towards the adoption of sustainable practices in LNG projects, driven by regulatory requirements, investor preferences, and stakeholder expectations. However, several challenges persist, including technological limitations, regulatory complexities, and cost implications. Nonetheless, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and collaboration, fostering the development of new technologies and strategies to enhance sustainability in LNG project management. In conclusion, this review underscores the importance of sustainable project management in the modern LNG industry, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address environmental, social, and economic concerns while meeting energy demands. The insights provided offer valuable guidance for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers seeking to advance sustainability objectives in LNG initiatives.

INTEGRATING SUSTAINABILITY INTO HVAC PROJECT MANAGEMENT: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

As environmental concerns continue to escalate, the integration of sustainability principles into project management practices has emerged as a crucial endeavor across various industries. In the realm of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, where energy consumption and environmental impact are significant, the incorporation of sustainable practices presents both challenges and opportunities. This review provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating sustainability into HVAC project management. Challenges in integrating sustainability into HVAC project management stem from various factors, including technological limitations, cost considerations, and organizational barriers. Technologically, the adoption of sustainable HVAC solutions often requires investments in advanced equipment and systems, which may not always be readily available or affordable for all projects. Additionally, the upfront costs of implementing sustainable practices can be perceived as prohibitive, especially in industries where budget constraints are prevalent. Moreover, organizational inertia and resistance to change pose significant challenges, as stakeholders may be hesitant to deviate from traditional HVAC methodologies. Despite these challenges, there exist ample opportunities for integrating sustainability into HVAC project management. Advancements in technology, such as the development of energy-efficient HVAC systems and renewable energy integration, provide opportunities to reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), incentivizes the adoption of sustainable HVAC practices by offering recognition and financial benefits to projects that meet stringent sustainability criteria. Moreover, the increasing awareness of environmental issues and regulatory requirements underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into HVAC project management. By aligning with regulatory standards and industry best practices, organizations can mitigate risks associated with non-compliance while enhancing their reputation as environmentally responsible entities. While challenges persist, the integration of sustainability into HVAC project management presents significant opportunities for organizations to mitigate environmental impact, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a culture of innovation. By addressing these challenges proactively and leveraging available opportunities, organizations can position themselves as leaders in sustainable HVAC project management.
 Keywords: HVAC, Project Management, Challenges, Sustainability, Review.

Navigating sustainable project management in construction: Exploring the differential impact of coercive pressures and ethical responsibility using importance-performance matrix analysis (IPMA)

This study explores the primary drivers influencing sustainable project management (SPM) practices in the construction industry. This research study seeks to determine whether firms are primarily motivated by external pressures or internal values when embracing SPM practices. In doing so, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on SPM drivers by considering coercive pressures (CP), ethical responsibility (ER), and green transformational leadership (GTL) as critical enablers facilitating a firm’s adoption of SPM practices. Based on data from 196 project management practitioners in Pakistan, structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized relationships. Results highlight that CP influences the management of sustainability practices in construction projects, signifying firms’ concern for securing legitimacy from various institutional actors. As an ‘intrinsic value’, ER emerges as a significant motivator for ecological stewardship, driven by a genuine commitment to promoting sustainable development. This study also unveils the significant moderating effect of GTL on the association among CP, ER, and SPM. Lastly, the results of IMPA reveal that ER slightly performs better than CP as it helps firms internalize the essence of sustainability. This research study expands our understanding of SPM drivers in construction projects by exploring the differential impact of external pressures and the firm’s intrinsic values. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, aiding them in promoting SPM to attain sustainable development goals.

Prioritizing Stakeholders in Collaborative Research and Innovation Projects Toward Sustainability

Stakeholder engagement in collaborative research and innovation projects poses significant challenges, particularly in complex, multistakeholder settings addressing sustainability concerns. This study proposes a novel method for stakeholder prioritization in such projects, combining the analytic network process (ANP) tool with the sustainability categories of the P5 standard for sustainability in project management. Its applicability and usefulness are demonstrated through a case study project, using the new stakeholder theory (NST) lens. The ANP-P5 method can assist project managers in effectively aligning stakeholder management with both sustainability and NST principles.

RESHAPING PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – METHODOLOGIES AND STANDARDS

In the contemporary business landscape, sustainability is emerging as a pivotal factor in project delivery, driven by stakeholder demands for ethicality, eco-consciousness, and economic efficiency throughout a project’s lifecycle. This study aims to identify and elucidate the norms and standards governing sustainable project management practices within project organizations. Our findings unveil that sustainable project management transcends mere reliance on indicators, embracing a comprehensive package of activities. This multifaceted approach adapts project management mechanisms to different sustainability dimensions. An important result of the analysis of research materials is also the list of seven identified areas of project management subject to transformation towards sustainability. This study probes the realm of sustainability within project management, unveiling its potential to curtail costs, amplify opportunities, and bolster organizational success. The conclusions of the paper emphasize that SPM (Sustainable Project Management) is not just a trendy word, but a necessity in the face of contemporary global challenges. Organizations must actively adapt to the sustainability paradigm and effective leaders are crucial to the success of sustainable projects.

Consideration of Sustainability in Projects: A Cross-Sectional Quantitative Analysis

The consideration of sustainability in projects is one of the most critical global trends in project management today, as projects are instrumental in the sustainable development of organisations and society. In the growing literature on this topic, most studies take a qualitative approach, often based on single case studies, and quantitative studies are underrepresented. To address these limitations, this study aims to examine the extent to which different aspects and perspectives of sustainability are integrated into projects by reporting a quantitative analysis of the consideration of sustainability in 134 projects. The analysis used the Sustainable Project Management Maturity Model SPM3 to analyse the level at which sustainability was considered in the projects. The results show that, on average, sustainability is considered at a reactive level, with the desired levels of consideration on average one level higher (proactive). When considering the different triple bottom line perspectives, the economic perspective scores highest, followed by the social and environmental perspectives. The study also shows that building-related projects score higher on sustainability considerations than other project types, as do larger projects. Limitations of the study include its European focus, the relatively small sample size, and the fact that the data was collected in different locations over a four-year period, which raises the possibility of subjective differences in the evaluation of individual projects. Nevertheless, the study can be seen as a ‘wake-up call’ for project practitioners, who need to be more proactive in this regard if projects are to be the route to sustainability.

Sustainability in project management: A comprehensive review

This comprehensive review paper delves into the integration of sustainability principles within the realm of project management. The primary objective is to analyze how sustainability is being incorporated into project management practices and to identify the emerging trends and challenges in this integration. The methodology involves a systematic review of existing literature, encompassing academic journals, industry reports, and case studies, to provide a holistic view of the current state of sustainability in project management. Key findings reveal that sustainability in project management is increasingly gaining attention, driven by the growing recognition of environmental, social, and economic impacts. The study identifies three core dimensions of sustainability in project management: environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic viability. It highlights the evolving role of project managers in embedding these dimensions into project life cycles, from initiation to closure. The review also uncovers a range of tools and frameworks being employed to facilitate sustainable project management, such as life cycle assessment, stakeholder engagement strategies, and sustainability balanced scorecards. However, challenges persist, including a lack of standardized guidelines, difficulties in measuring sustainability outcomes, and resistance to change in traditional project management practices. The paper concludes that while strides have been made in integrating sustainability into project management, there is a need for more robust frameworks and educational efforts to enhance the adoption and effectiveness of sustainable practices. Future research directions are suggested, focusing on the development of standardized sustainability metrics and the exploration of the role of technology in enhancing sustainable project management practices.

Changes in Sustainable Development in Manufacturing in Cases of Unexpected Occurrences—A Systematic Review

Nowadays, managers are facing the challenge of operating in situations of high uncertainty: delayed deliveries, lack of energy or rising energy and gas costs, the need to replace energy sources, and changing supply and sales markets. In the literature, two dominant trends in the activities of enterprises in the face of crises can be distinguished: (I) changes in supply chain management (increased flexibility by searching for local suppliers); and (II) transition to digital production and investment in technologies in the concept of Industry 4.0 or even Industry 5.0, such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing, robots, cyber-physical systems, digital manufacturing, and blockchain. A gap in the research has been observed in examining the impacts of these actions on the implementation of sustainable solutions and designating organizational changes in manufacturing. The main goal of this study is to review the literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for data collection and, secondly, the methodology of Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Mapping in Literature Reviews (MLR). Our literature review of the selected databases is based on 566 published articles in 2020–2022. The achieved results indicate the main organizational changes in the context of sustainable development in manufacturing, namely in the business management area (adopting Sustainable Project Management (SPM), Sustainable Supply Chain Management practices, Sustainable Supplier Selection (SSS), and Resilient Manufacturing Strategy (RMS)) and in the production area (adopting Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled Additive Manufacturing assists, simulation software, and Life Cycle Assessment. The findings of our study revealed key relationships between the adoption of fifth-generation industrial technologies and the sustainable development of manufacturing.

Construction Project Management Issues and Development in Current for Future Construction Project: Challenges and Prospects in Sustainable Project Management

The global construction industry faces escalating pressure to embrace sustainable practices in response to increasing awareness of environmental and social issues. The construction sector, with its profound impact on the built environment, plays a pivotal role with far-reaching environmental, social, and economic implications. Stakeholders in the construction industry, driven by concerns related to climate change, resource depletion, and social equity, actively seek strategies to mitigate their environmental and societal impact. This has culminated in a heightened emphasis on sustainability in construction project management. The aim of this research is to investigate the challenges and propose proactive strategies among construction project stakeholders to effectively integrate sustainable practices into project management. This research systematically reviews existing literature to illuminate the challenges and prospects associated with integrating sustainability into construction project management, focusing on the future of construction projects. Challenges encountered by construction project managers include cost constraints, limited awareness and training, resistance to change, and the complexity of sustainability metrics. Understanding and addressing these challenges are imperative for the successful implementation of sustainable construction practices tailored to the unique context of construction firms. On the positive side, integrating sustainability into construction project management holds promising prospects. It is anticipated to result in reduced resource consumption, enhanced energy efficiency, lower operational costs, and an improved public image. Furthermore, aligning construction projects with sustainable development goals opens avenues for innovation and market differentiation. This research underscores the necessity of proactive strategies and collaborative efforts among project stakeholders to overcome challenges associated with sustainable construction. It highlights the potential for future construction projects to contribute significantly to a more sustainable built environment, emphasizing the growing importance of sustainability in construction projects. By addressing these challenges, the construction industry can progress towards a more sustainable future, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote responsible resource management.

Инновационное предпринимательство в эпоху глобальной нестабильности: стратегия поведения и факторы устойчивого управления проектами

The presented article is devoted to the study of the features of innovative entrepreneurship in the conditions of global instability. The author's position is that despite the failure of the mechanism of "creative destruction", innovative entrepreneurship remains the most important driver of socio-economic development. However, in order to remain an "innovator" in the world of ultra-dynamic changes, an enterprise needs a new behavior strategy that ensures the resistance and stability of its existence. Due to the lack of clear ideas about such a strategy, the author offers her own vision based on adaptability, proactivity (due to the ability of analytics and risk prevention), as well as planning the spatial location of production. In addition, the author wonders how the lack of clear behavioral business models in a chaotic external environment affects the ability to effectively manage business projects, and comes to the conclusion that the simple application of flexible methodologies without synchronicity with the values and behavioral incentives of the entrepreneur leads to a losing position and business amateurism. In this regard, the factors of sustainable project management are identified that can bring the methodology of their implementation in line with the requirements of unstable socio-economic conditions.

Organizations and stakeholders’ roles and influence on implementing sustainability requirements in construction projects

Construction projects significantly affect a country's development, consume many resources, and impact many stakeholders. Project sustainability requirements are essential to overcome the current social and environmental challenges, yet entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and technical professionals still ignore them. This research aims to reveal the leading players that can influence implementing sustainability requirements in construction project development, the barriers, and possible solutions. The results show that organizational strategies, maturity level in sustainability, and the ability to change corporate values and beliefs play a significant role in this pivotal movement. At the same time, a set of external stakeholders, such as investors, banks, communities, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and insurance companies, may push a specific behavior to the market and influence change. On top of this, organizations shall build their strategy toward sustainability and implement sustainable project management. This study employs the Complex Holographic Assessment of Paradoxical Problems (CHAP2) to investigate the current situation in Brazil related to the integration of construction project development and sustainability requirements.

AI-Powered Tracking for Sustainable Marine Ecosystem Resource Management Projects

Ecosystems are our planet's life-support systems that facilitate sustainable development. Within the marine ecosystem, oysters serve as a keystone species. Numerous oyster restoration projects have been launched with a crucial element involving precise assessment of oyster population sizes within specific reef areas. However, the current methods of tracking oyster populations are approximate and lack precision. To address this research gap, the authors developed an AI-empowered project for oyster detection. Specifically, they created a dataset of wild oysters, utilized Roboflow for image annotation, and employed image augmentation techniques to augment the training data. Then, they fine-tuned a YOLOv8 computer vision object detection model using their dataset. The results demonstrated a mean average precision (mAP) of 85.2 percent and an accuracy of 87.7 percent for oyster detection. This approach improved upon previous attempts to detect wild oysters, offering a more effective solution for population assessment, which is a fundamental step toward sustainable oyster restoration project management.

Modelling the Push Factors of Sustainable Project Management Implementation in Emerging Economies: Does Firm Size Matter

Modelling the Push Factors of Sustainable Project Management Implementation in Emerging Economies: Does Firm Size Matter

The Efficiency of Time Management During the Design Process for Residential Buildings to Achieve Sustainable Project Management

The Efficiency of Time Management During the Design Process for Residential Buildings to Achieve Sustainable Project Management

Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Competitive Advantage of Organizations in Establishing Sustainable Project Management Post Covid-19

Competitive advantage significantly matters for modern construction organizations as it promotes the sustainable development and safety management of projects. UK construction organizations have greatly suffered from a lack of safety and sustainability of project management in infrastructure development projects because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-COVID-19 UK infrastructure development projects are uncertain in the context of organizational competitive advantage as they cannot maintain sustainable project management. This study was conducted to identify, rank, and present a framework of factors influencing the competitive advantage of UK organizations. The study design involved identifying factors from the current literature, after which the most relevant factors were filtered with the help of semi-structured interviews with 15 experts. A pilot survey was conducted then, involving 192 respondents, after which a reliability test and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were conducted on the results. A primary questionnaire survey involving 250 respondents was conducted, after which RII and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted on the final data. A total of five subgroups were found to be significant in the CFA, such as Resources and Policies, Quality and Delays, Motivation and Expectation, Management and Environment, and Government and Business. It is recommended based on findings that the construction organizations of the UK have to consider working on identified factors to maintain a competitive advantage in establishing sustainable project management solutions for post-COVID-19 UK infrastructure development projects.