Sustainable Projects Research Articles

Improving Residential Complex Project Performance using Information and Communication Technology supported by the DEXi Method

A complex project involves a significant level of risk, uncertainty, and complexity due to several variables, including the project's size, duration, scope, and interdependencies. The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) leads to increasingly better and more sustainable results in the progress of complex tasks. Specialized Information Technology (IT) software packages are available on the market to meet the specific needs of the construction industry. The main objective of this research is to identify the factors that have the greatest impact on complex projects and to explore the utilization of ICT applications to improve productivity. The first step of the research methodology is to assess the effectiveness of ICT in construction. The second step is to specify the responses of the participants in complex projects. The final step involves employing a verified computational methodology to identify the parameters that influence the effectiveness of ICT use in the construction sector. This study utilized survey data, expert comments, in-depth interviews, and exploratory research to assess the impact of management styles on ICT performance metrics. The research also drew on previous work in the construction project area to enhance its findings. According to the results of the Relative Importance Index (RII), the most significant component in the use of ICT was the technical calculation based on time. The analysis showed that improving the efficiency of subcontractors and suppliers' coordination yielded a rank value of 0.869. The special computational software called Decision Expert (DEXi) method is also used to facilitates decision making based on specific criteria. Ultimately, this study concludes that ICTs are crucial for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of sustainable project implementation in all aspects.

Assessing the critical success factors for the sustainable construction project management of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT The construction sector in Saudi Arabia faces significant challenges in achieving sustainability in project management, encompassing activities from design to project completion. This research aims to identify and evaluate the critical success factors (CSFs) essential for sustainable construction project management in Saudi Arabia. Through an extensive literature review, 24 CSFs were identified, reflecting the sector’s complex dynamics. A detailed survey of industry experts assessed the importance of these factors using a Likert scale, with further analysis conducted through the Relative Importance Index (RII) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The CSFs were categorized into five groups: human resources and stakeholder requirements, sustainable project delivery and stakeholder engagement, strategic planning and alignment, project management practices and leadership, and compliance and governance. Stakeholders emphasized the adoption of modern tools and processes to overcome challenges and improve project outcomes. The study highlighted five key CSFs: effective strategic planning, adherence to anti-corruption measures, efficient resource allocation, project managers’ expertise, and robust policy enforcement. These factors are pivotal in advancing sustainable construction project management in Saudi Arabia. The study provides a structured framework for evaluating CSFs and offers practical insights to stakeholders for promoting sustainability within the construction sector, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

Assessment of the challenges of integrating cyber-physical systems in Nigerian construction

PurposeThe internet’s revolutionary impact on communication, information access and business transactions exemplifies how technology can reshape human behaviour. Similarly, cyber-physical systems (CPSs) hold immense potential to transform our interaction and control of the physical environment. This study investigates the challenges hindering the adoption of CPSs in Nigeria’s construction industry, aiming to pave the way for a more sustainable future in construction.Design/methodology/approachThis study examined challenges related to CPSs in Nigerian sustainable construction projects. Data were gathered through a literature review and a questionnaire survey of Lagos-based construction professionals (architects, quantity surveyors, engineers and builders). Statistical methods were used to analyse the data. Mean and standard deviation determined respondents’ opinions’ central tendency and variability. The data’s suitability for factor analysis was confirmed through Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s sphericity tests, indicating strong correlations between variables. Factor analysis subsequently identified key challenges hindering CPSs implementation in Nigerian construction.FindingsThe mean and standard deviation analysis findings indicated that the most significant challenges of CPSs for sustainable construction projects in Nigeria are lack of awareness, inadequate public–private partnership, professional complacencies, data overload and lack of capital. In addition, the analysis was also conducted using factor analysis, which includes five groupings: financial inhibition, management barrier, geopolitical inhibition, national security and lack of awareness.Originality/valueThis study recommended that the challenges listed in this study should be considered and worked on through financial, political and professional support of CPSs for sustainable construction projects, such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programmes and national awareness programmes.

Science for Seminaries: Measuring the Impact of Equipping Future Religious Leaders to Engage with Science

Faith leaders are important community guides in issues of science and society, but few have formal scientific backgrounds. The Science for Seminaries project of the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion program provides grants to seminaries to incorporate science engagement into the core theological education of future faith leaders. From 2014–2022, the project provided grants to 54 seminaries, which modified over 280 courses to include science topics from a variety of disciplines. A comprehensive evaluation of the project found significant positive impacts in seminaries’ engagement of scientific topics, students’ perception of science and connection with scientists, faculty engagement and networking, and project sustainability. The Science for Seminaries model is shown to be an effective and impactful approach to equip faith leaders with needed skills and resources for engaging science in their ministry contexts.

Enhancing Concrete Properties With Rubber Additives: Experimental Analysis And Performance Evaluation

This research investigates the effect of adding recycled rubber to concrete mixes as part of efforts to enhance environmental sustainability and improve the mechanical properties of concrete. The study focuses on evaluating the mechanical and physical performance of rubberized concrete by analyzing its properties such as compressive strength, tensile strength, and workability. Partial replacement of rubber by 0% to 15% of fine aggregate in concrete was studied, with standard tests conducted to determine the effect of rubber on overall performance. The importance of the research lies in providing a dual solution of reducing environmental waste from used tires, while improving some properties of concrete in non-structural applications. The results show that rubberized concrete achieves important advantages such as improved flexibility, abrasion resistance, and light weight, despite a slight decrease in compressive strength. The research also highlights the potential of using rubberized concrete in non-structural applications such as pavements, road barriers, and shock absorption systems. The research concludes by recommending further studies to improve the adhesion between rubber and concrete mix components, while exploring innovative applications to expand the use of rubberized concrete in sustainable construction projects.

A Systematic Literature Review: Business Feasibility Analysis Using Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) Methods in the Automotive Industry

This research evaluates business feasibility in the manufacturing sector using the Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) methods. Both of these methods are financial analysis tools that play an important role in making investment decisions, especially in projects that require large capital investments and face market uncertainty. The NPV method assesses the potential profit of a project based on the time value of money, while the IRR identifies the minimum rate of return required for the investment to be viable. This study uses the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach to compile and analyze various studies that discuss the application of NPV and IRR in the manufacturing industry. By comprehensively understanding the application of these two methods, it is hoped that manufacturing companies can conduct more accurate investment assessments and maximize the sustainability of business projects.

Unveiling the Entrepreneurial Journey: Lived Experiences of Filipino Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs play a crucial role in driving economic growth and innovation. This study explored the lived experiences of Filipino entrepreneurs, specifically, determined their experience, identified the challenges they faced, and proposed relevant follow-up extension activities. A phenomenological design using a qualitative approach was employed. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with three recipients of the livelihood package provided by the college. The findings revealed that the entrepreneurs' experiences significantly impacted their personal, social, and economic lives, and they encountered various challenges in their businesses. The study suggested the need for appropriate follow-up extension activities to help recipients overcome these barriers. Key recommendations include conducting seminars, workshops, or training programs to equip entrepreneurs with new knowledge and skills for effective business management; seeking sponsorship from the Local Government Unit for extension service programs to support entrepreneurs in addressing personal, social, and economic challenges; implementing monthly observations and evaluations by the college’s Extension Services office to ensure the sustainability of extension service projects; and encouraging future research to further investigate other entrepreneurial experiences that may impact business success.

From Landscape Architecture to Nature-Based Solutions: A Strategic Approach to Fine Dust Mitigation in Urban School Forests

Urban areas face increasing environmental challenges, including fine dust pollution and climate change, which significantly impact public health and urban resilience. To address these issues, this study explores the integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) and landscape architecture processes to develop a systematic approach for enhancing urban environmental outcomes. Through a comprehensive review of prior studies, the strengths and weaknesses of NbSs and landscape architecture processes were analyzed, leading to the development of the Nature-based Landscape Process (NLP), which synthesizes the key principles of both approaches. The Dongmyeong Elementary School Fine Dust Mitigation Forest Project was analyzed as a case study to evaluate the applicability of the NLP. This project, implemented using traditional landscape processes, was critically reviewed to identify areas where NbS principles could enhance ecological, social, and functional outcomes. The findings highlight how the integration of NbS principles into landscape architecture processes can address existing gaps and improve project sustainability and precision. This study provides practical insights into the application of the NLP in urban landscape projects, contributing to the development of strategies that align with long-term sustainability and climate adaptation goals.

Applicability of lean techniques and processes on improving sustainability in construction projects

PurposeThe construction industry is known for its complexity, poor performance and impact on the environment. This study investigates the applicability of lean techniques and processes on improving sustainability in construction projects. A total of ten key lean construction (LC) tools are analyzed for impact on 15 sustainability categories and 78 subcategories. Results are summarized for usability across the three sustainability pillars.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review (SLR) of articles published over the last 10 years (2014–2023) on lean and sustainable construction is conducted involving planning, identifying, screening, analyzing and reporting phases. Selected 41 articles are reviewed in detail. For reporting, the applicability of LC tools is critically analyzed and ranked according to impact on sustainability over two project stages.FindingsLiterature suggests that the impact of LC on economic waste reduction or social impact is likely to have an impact on environmental sustainability as well. Overall, the top LC tools for improving sustainability in construction include value stream mapping (VSM), just-in-time (JIT) and 5S. The applicability of the LC tools is more prevalent in the “construction phase” of construction projects than the “planning and design” phase.Originality/valueThis study analyzed ten lean tools through SLR and evaluated their impact on construction sustainability. By assessing the challenges and benefits associated with LC tools, the outcomes of the study support the adoption of LC by stakeholders. The paper also proposed a practical implementation strategy for LC tools to enhance sustainable construction.

Knowledge and awareness of corporate social responsibility in water projects in Narok, Kenya

This paper explored awareness and knowledge of CSR water initiatives in Narok, Kenya. It assessed stakeholder awareness and knowledge and aimed to identify gaps in CSR communication in water issues. A descriptive design was used, and data was collected from purposively selected key informants and focus group discussions (FGDs) across the vast county. The findings revealed limited awareness by individuals and beneficiary groups on corporate social responsibility activities through local community leaders, local media, interactions, and friends and acquaintances. Community members were not informed about CSR water project efforts and their impact, limited awareness of CSR in water issues, engagement, awareness and misconceptions about CSR goals, benefits, and stakeholder roles. The study concluded that there was low knowledge and awareness of community water projects in Narok. It recommended targeted awareness campaigns through social media, radio, and print media, educational programs, regular feedback for transparency and trust, sharing impact reports and success stories for project value and local partnerships for awareness, training and empowerment. Recognising active members, conducting thorough monitoring and evaluation, respecting customs and cultural values, and involving minority groups will enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of CSR community water projects.

Leadership Styles of Community Leaders and Sustainability of Community Development Projects in Southwest, Nigeria

This study investigates the relationship between the leadership styles of community leaders and the sustainability of community development projects in Southwest, Nigeria. Utilizing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 300 community leaders and 1,500 community members across 60 communities in Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo states. The study identified autocratic leadership as the predominant style among community leaders in the region, followed by pseudo-democratic, with transformational leadership being the least adopted. Findings indicate a low level of sustainability for community development projects, attributed partly to leadership styles that may not effectively motivate community participation and project longevity. Statistical analyses, including Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression, reveal a significant positive relationship between leadership styles and project sustainability. Specifically, transformational leadership style emerged as the most significant contributor to project sustainability, while autocratic leadership showed less contribution. These results suggest that leadership style plays a crucial role in determining the success and longevity of community projects. Recommendations include promoting transformational leadership training for community leaders, fostering participatory decision-making processes, enhancing project management practices, and advocating for policy changes to support sustainable community development initiatives in Southwest, Nigeria. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the dynamics of community leadership and project sustainability in the context of Nigerian communities, offering insights for improving leadership practices to enhance community development outcomes

Satisfaction Assessment of Training in Artificial Intelligence With a Focus on Sustainable Projects for the Amazon

Objective: To list challenges and assess student satisfaction with training in artificial intelligence focused on developing sustainable projects for the Amazon. Theoretical Framework: AI refers to systems that model human intelligence to perform tasks, improving based on collected information. The digital transformation market has seen significant growth, with global investments expected to reach $665 billion by 2023. Method: The applied methodology consisted of a quantitative and qualitative approach. A specific form was used for the demographic study and student satisfaction. Only students who completed the training were included in the research. Results and Discussion: The sample used had a margin of error of 9.40% with a confidence level of 90%. The research conducted with the participants revealed a high satisfaction rate, with 98.1% of students declaring themselves satisfied or very satisfied with the offered training. Research Implications: The research revealed several important aspects of the training provided, the difficulties faced by the students, and their satisfaction in carrying out the specific activities of the course considering its various modules. Originality/Value: This training consisted of a pilot project by the Federal University of Amapá in partnership with the International Software Technology Center (CITS) that brings an innovative approach to developing sustainable projects for the Amazon using technical knowledge in Artificial Intelligence and considering high school and elementary school students.

Advancing Sustainability in Rural Water Management: Insight from Chaurjahari Municipality, Nepal

This study delves into the major problems affecting the sustainability of community water supply schemes in Chaurjahari Municipality, Rukum (West) District, Nepal. Employing a combination of explanatory, descriptive, and qualitative research designs, the study utilized primary data collected via structured questionnaires from field observations and secondary data sourced from local government offices and existing publications. The selected study area included five water supply schemes representative of the municipality's diverse demographic and environmental contexts. The research uncovered several critical sustainability challenges such as management inefficiencies, inadequate community engagement, and insufficient maintenance practices. It also examined the functionality of water supply systems through various indicators, evaluated sustainability issues at different project phases (pre-construction, construction, and post-construction), and analyzed the socio-demographic profiles of the respondents. Ethical considerations focused on respecting local customs and maximizing participant benefits were strictly followed. The findings emphasize the need for robust community involvement, enhanced capacity building, and improved management practices to ensure the sustainability of water supply projects. By addressing these key issues, the study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development in rural water management and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in similar contexts.

Preliminary Optimization of Concrete Paving Mixtures for Sustainability and Performance

Greater sustainability in concrete construction projects generally requires higher replacement of portland cement clinker-based binder materials with byproduct supple-mentary cementitious materials (SCM’s). There may be serious constructability-related performance side effects of such concrete mixtures, however, including delayed setting, slower strength gain, and increased sensitivity of the mixture to changing temperatures. Related impacts for paving applications may include placement and finishing issues, cracking, surface profile and durability concerns, and various other quality and scheduling implications. Mix designs often require more aggressive chemical admixture use and performance side effects are difficult to predict and manage. A protocol is presented for the evaluation of materials and preliminary optimization of proportions that can help maximize practical SCM use in concrete paving mixtures while approximating the performance of traditional mix designs. An approach using simple thermal profile testing of paste mixtures in the lab is presented and used to show how these influences can be understood and managed.

A Double Layered Photocatalytic Concrete Pavement: A Durable Application with Air-purifying Properties

Photocatalytic concrete constitutes a promising technique to reduce a number of air contaminants such as NOx and VOC’s, especially at sites with a high level of pollution: highly trafficked canyon streets, road tunnels, urban environment, etc. The use of a double layered concrete (or two lift concrete) provides a durable solution by allowing the insertion of photoactive TiO2 in the top layer of the concrete pavement and recycled concrete aggregates in the bottom layer, without jeopardizing the durability of the pavement. In contact with light, the TiO2 is activated and able to reduce different pollutants in the air. A double layered concrete with photocatalytic materials in the top layer has been constructed in March 2011. This was done in the framework of a broader environmental sustainability project ECO2PROFIT, which deals with reduction of the emission of greenhouse gasses and sustainable production of energy on industrial estates in the frontier area between Flanders and Holland. This paper focuses on the construction of the double layered concrete in Wijnegem and on the influence of different parameters on the photocatalytic efficiency of the pavement.

Applying the PRiSM™ Methodology to Raise Awareness of the Importance of Using Sustainable Project Management Practices in Organizations

Sustainability has become crucial in today’s business landscape. Customers, suppliers, partners, and investors are increasingly demanding that companies be aware of their impacts on the environment and society. Achieving sustainability in business operations, including social, economic, and environmental aspects, is one of the major challenges for companies today. Integrating sustainability into project management fosters the development of more sustainable and responsible projects, considering environmental, social, and economic aspects. This integration allows for benefits such as risk and operational cost reduction, strengthening of the company’s reputation, and gaining stakeholders’ trust. This study takes an exploratory approach, focusing on a pilot test to investigate how the PRiSM™ (Projects Integrating Sustainable Methods) methodology can be applied in a business context to assess the level of maturity of sustainable project management practices and thus raise awareness of the importance of these issues. PRiSM™ was developed by GPM® Global (Global Project Management, Lees Summit, MO, USA) in 2013 to help organizations integrate project processes with sustainable initiatives and it is based on the P5 Standard, which incorporates tangible tools and methods to manage the balance between finite resources, social responsibility, and delivery of sustainable project outcomes. Based on the PRiSM™ methodology and the P5 Standard (2nd Edition), a comprehensive questionnaire was developed under the Portuguese Project Management Observatory® to assist companies in assessing their performance in terms of sustainable practices, resulting in a sustainable maturity level. The questionnaire aimed to evaluate companies in four impact categories: product/process impacts, social impacts, economic impacts, and environmental impacts. The results, obtained from 30 respondents, indicated that the majority of organizations achieved medium-level ratings, with an overall average of 65%. However, some still showed unsatisfactory performance, with a minimum score of 14%, indicating there is still a long way to go for the full integration of sustainability. Based on participants’ feedback, the study found that many recognized the importance of sustainability but were unaware of how to integrate sustainability practices into their project management activities, highlighting the importance of promoting education and raising awareness about sustainable project management practices. The findings, while based on a limited sample, provide valuable initial insights into the potential of PRiSM™ to foster sustainability in project management. This research underscores the need for further studies to expand and validate these preliminary conclusions.

Impact of Urban Flood Management on the Values of Properties in Ibadan, Oyo State

This study investigated the impact of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP) on property values in 17 priority project sites across Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Urban flooding has been a long-standing challenge in Ibadan, causing substantial damage to property and infrastructure, particularly in flood-prone areas, which has led to declining property values. In response to the 2011 floods, the Oyo State government, with World Bank support, initiated the IUFMP to mitigate flood risks through drainage construction, river channelization, and early warning systems. A survey research design was used, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Primary data was gathered from 383 respondents, including homeowners, tenants, estate surveyors, and key project officials. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while key informant interviews provided insights into project sustainability and management. The study found that 54.8% of respondents strongly disagreed that the IUFMP led to an increase in capital property values, with a mean score of 1.82, and 53% strongly disagreed that rental values increased, with a mean score of 1.89. Furthermore, 66.8% of respondents disagreed that property purchases had increased (mean: 1.48), and 74.4% disagreed that the filthiness in the areas had reduced (mean: 1.26). Thematic insights from key informant interviews revealed positive project outcomes, including improved flood resilience and enhanced livelihoods. However, significant challenges in fostering community engagement and ensuring sustainable environmental benefits were identified. The study concludes that while the IUFMP has successfully reduced flooding and improved infrastructure, its impact on property value appreciation remains limited. It recommends sustainable strategies, including enhanced community involvement, to maximize the long-term benefits of the project.

Project Management As A Sustainability Strategy For the Third Sector in The Northern Region of Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study is to understand the reasons why Third Sector organizations use or not projects as a tool for financial support; what are the sources of funding, as well as to present the importance and feasibility of using Project Management as a Sustainability Strategy to transform challenges or conflicting situations into solutions for organizations active in the North of Brazil. Theoretical Framework: The theme was subdivided into: Organizational Management, Projects, Sustainability through Projects, Third Sector Organizations and Third Sector in the North of Brazil. Method: Research of a descriptive nature, with a quantitative qualitative approach; methodological procedures and field research were the pillars that guided the analysis of the collected data. The data collection tool was an electronic questionnaire with objective and subjective questions. Results and Discussion: The information presents a discrepancy in the Third Sector scenario relevant to the realization or not of projects for sustainability, considering the possibilities of fundraising in the national and international spheres; public and private. Health and Social Assistance raise funds through projects, while Education uses its own resources. Research Implications: The research provides discussion about raising funds through projects, considering the availability of resources and the gap in acquisition by the Third Sector. In this sense, project management is understood as a strategy for sustainability and transformation. Originality/Value: Contributes to the motivation for raising resources for sustainability through projects.

Examining the relationship between project governance and project success: The moderating role of sustainable project management and stakeholder engagement

Este artículo tiene como propósito discutir teóricamente la relación gestión de proyectos y éxito en los proyectos mediada por la gestión sostenible de proyectos y el compromiso de los grupos de interés, debido a la poca exploración que ha tenido en la literatura sobre gerencia de proyectos. Esta discusión se realiza alrededor de los hallazgos investigativos relacionados con estos cuatro constructos, a partir de los cuales se argumenta que la escuela de la sostenibilidad en gestión de proyectos permite la renovación del campo de la gerencia de proyectos. La literatura previa sobre la relación entre la gobernanza del proyecto y éxito del proyecto tiene hallazgos contradictorios. Estos hallazgos denotan una brecha para examinar los efectos de moderación de las prácticas de gestión de proyectos sostenibles y el compromiso de los stakeholders. De acuerdo con los antecedentes estudiados, se puede argumentar que existe una falta de comprensión en la literatura existente relacionada con la gobernanza del proyecto y el éxito del proyecto. Por tanto, en este artículo se expone la influencia del compromiso de los grupos de interés y de las prácticas de gestión de proyectos sostenibles en la relación entre gobernanza del proyecto y éxito del proyecto. Finalmente, se ofrecen algunas implicaciones teóricas, empíricas y prácticas.

Effectiveness of a Series of Road Humps on Home Zone Streets: A Case Study

Traffic calming measures are implemented more and more often in residential districts as part of home zone sustainability projects. For economic reasons, road humps are the most commonly used traffic calming measures to slow down the traffic within the home zone. Prefabricated units or concrete pavers are the materials of choice for their construction. The studies carried out so far on many different road hump types covered the effect of height, approach/departure ramp inclination(s), and intervals between successive humps on the final speed and the safety of road traffic. The impacts of braking before and acceleration after passing a hump on the pavement and the effect of the associated shocks on the riding comfort of both drivers and passengers and vehicle suspension were also investigated. What is missing in the available literature is information on the slowing effect of road humps depending on the longitudinal gradient of the street and the street’s landscaping. This article is intended to fill this gap by presenting the results of speed surveys carried out on three selected two-way streets located in home zones with different longitudinal gradients and a few humps of different designs that are placed at different intervals. Speeds were measured both before and after each of the successive humps. The “after” speeds were found to depend not only on the hump type and parameters but also on the direction of travel, vertical alignment of the street, parking location, and orientation of the parking space relative to the road axis.