Traditional Project Research Articles

AERA-MIP: emission pathways, remaining budgets, and carbon cycle dynamics compatible with 1.5 and 2 °C global warming stabilization

Abstract. While international climate policies now focus on limiting global warming to well below 2 °C or pursuing a 1.5 °C level of global warming, the climate modelling community has not provided an experimental design in which all Earth system models (ESMs) converge and stabilize at the same prescribed global warming levels. This gap hampers accurate estimations based on comprehensive ESMs of the carbon emission pathways and budgets needed to meet such agreed warming levels and of the associated climate impacts under temperature stabilization. Here, we apply the Adaptive Emission Reduction Approach (AERA) with ESMs to provide such simulations in which all models converge at 1.5 and 2.0 °C warming levels by adjusting their emissions over time. These emission-driven simulations provide a wide range of emission pathways and resulting atmospheric CO2 projections for a given warming level, uncovering uncertainty ranges that were previously missing in the traditional Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) scenarios with prescribed greenhouse gas concentration pathways. Meeting the 1.5 °C warming level requires a 40 % (full model range: 7 % to 76 %) reduction in multi-model mean CO2-forcing-equivalent (CO2-fe) emissions from 2025 to 2030, a 98 % (57 % to 127 %) reduction from 2025 to 2050, and a stabilization at 1.0 (−1.7 to 2.9) PgC yr−1 from 2100 onward after the 1.5 °C global warming level is reached. Meeting the 2.0 °C warming level requires a 47 % (8 % to 92 %) reduction in multi-model mean CO2-fe emissions until 2050 and a stabilization at 1.7 (−1.5 to 2.7) PgC yr−1 from 2100 onward. The on-average positive emissions under stabilized global temperatures are the result of a decreasing transient climate response to cumulative CO2-fe emissions over time under stabilized global warming. This evolution is consistent with a slightly negative zero emissions commitment – initially assumed to be zero – and leads to an increase in the post-2025 CO2-fe emission budget by a factor of 2.2 (−0.8 to 6.9) by 2150 for the 1.5 °C warming level and a factor of 1.4 (0.9 to 2.4) for the 2.0 °C warming level compared to its first estimate in 2025. The median CO2-only carbon budget by 2150, relative to 2020, is 800 GtCO2 for the 1.5 °C warming level and 2250 GtCO2 for the 2.0 °C warming level. These median values exceed the median IPCC AR6 estimates by 60 % for the 1.5 °C warming level and 67 % for 2.0 °C. Some of the differences may be explained by the choice of the mitigation scenario for non-CO2 radiative agents. Our simulations highlight shifts in carbon uptake dynamics under stabilized temperature, such as a cessation of the carbon sinks in the North Atlantic and in tropical forests. On the other hand, the Southern Ocean remains a carbon sink centuries after temperatures stabilize. Overall, this new type of warming-level-based emission-driven simulation offers a more coherent assessment across climate models and opens up a wide range of possibilities for studying both the carbon cycle and climate impacts, such as extreme events, under climate stabilization.

The innovation of engineering project management in the context of big data

ABSTRACT With the development of China’s economy and society, the society continues to move forward. Related to this, the scale of China’s engineering construction is also increasing. With the development of the times and the continuous growth of demand, the complexity and specialisation of engineering projects continue to improve. This has put forward more stringent requirements for the construction of engineering projects. As the traditional engineering project construction management in China, the innovation is mainly through the practice of construction projects and the research of the engineering problems that arise. So, in today’s environment of big data background, the innovation of construction project management is to combine with the actual situation of construction projects, from the construction characteristics of the project, using a variety of advanced scientific technology, for the project data collection, calculation and storage applications and other aspects of optimisation and innovation, so that more convenient to achieve The modern construction engineering project management innovation work of diversified needs, for the final completion of the entire construction project can be expected to provide a strong guarantee and support the comprehensive benefits of the goal. The results show that our innovative scheme outperforms other comparative methods and achieves a 23% improvement in project management efficiency.

Artificial Intelligence for Enhancing Engineering Project Management During Emergencies: Perception-based Analysis

Purpose: The research studies the impact of various Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools on engineering project management and describes how they affect management success during emergencies in the Ukrainian context. Special attention is paid to the skills comprising AI readiness among engineers and their formation in the system of continuous education. Methodology/Approach: The study employed a perception-based analysis and applied the social cognitive theory and expectancy theory, enabling structured opinion-based questionnaires on Likert scales and assessing engineering project success after the introduction of AI tools. The research involved 96 engineers with diverse roles and expertise representing civil engineering companies or military organisations. Findings: The research explained the peculiarities of some challenges hindering engineering project management and defined traditional, agile, and hybrid engineering project management used during emergencies. 25 AI tools were outlined, and their impact on project success was revealed. The category of AI readiness was described, and its components were presented. Research Limitation/implication: Since the perception-based analysis relies on subjective views, it may not fully present the objective evaluation of AI tools in engineering project management during emergencies. The findings can be used to improve engineers' training programs by integrating AI-focused modules. Originality/Value of paper: The research provides a context-specific understanding of how AI can be applied to the unique challenges faced in Ukraine.

Why 'open' AI systems are actually closed, and why this matters.

This paper examines 'open' artificial intelligence (AI). Claims about 'open' AI often lack precision, frequently eliding scrutiny of substantial industry concentration in large-scale AI development and deployment, and often incorrectly applying understandings of 'open' imported from free and open-source software to AI systems. At present, powerful actors are seeking to shape policy using claims that 'open' AI is either beneficial to innovation and democracy, on the one hand, or detrimental to safety, on the other. When policy is being shaped, definitions matter. To add clarity to this debate, we examine the basis for claims of openness in AI, and offer a material analysis of what AI is and what 'openness' in AI can and cannot provide: examining models, data, labour, frameworks, and computational power. We highlight three main affordances of 'open' AI, namelytransparency, reusability, and extensibility, and we observe that maximally 'open' AI allows some forms of oversight and experimentation on top of existing models. However, we find that openness alone does not perturb the concentration of power in AI. Just as many traditional open-source software projects were co-opted in various ways by large technology companies, we show how rhetoric around 'open' AI is frequently wielded in ways that exacerbate rather than reduce concentration of power in the AI sector.

Research on Construction Digital Management System Based on Digital Twin

In the context of transformation and upgrading of the construction industry, traditional project construction management is still a complex "man-machine-environment" system engineering. The emerging digital twin technology provides new methods and technical means to realize the digitalization of construction. In order to solve the problems of redundant information of traditional construction management elements and low management efficiency, a digital model of construction management for physical space and non-physical space in the whole construction process is constructed, and an intelligent management platform for data collection and transmission of all elements of construction management is established. A process-oriented digital construction management system is proposed to realize the digital control of the construction management process. The study shows that by establishing an integrated management platform and collecting various building information elements in the whole construction process, the organic integration of construction management and digital twins can be realized, and the construction process management capabilities and management efficiency can be improved.

Target Value Delivery: A Simulation

Question: How can a facilitator teach the fundamental principles of Target Value Delivery (TVD) using a simulation emphasizing the importance of integrating contextual information from project partners along the value chain to establish target costs, select design solutions, and improve the delivery of value for owners? Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide practitioners and academics with a simulation to help illustrate the difference between traditional siloed project delivery and an integrated approach using Target Value Delivery principles during the design phase of construction projects. The simulation was developed in response to industry practitioners who expressed the need to demonstrate the value of engaging contractors early in the delivery process and to illustrate the value they bring to the Target Value Delivery (TVD) process. Method: The simulation presented was developed from an existing simulation, i.e., the Silo Game (Alves 2022) and the first author’s experience in playing the Silo Game and contrasting it with his own experience. A literature review of similar simulations was conducted to identify gaps and improve relevancy. The Simulation was tested with practitioners for relevancy, ease of comprehension, and process outcomes. Findings: The Target Value Delivery simulation is useful for teaching the principles of collaborative decision-making versus siloed decision-making in design. This simulation enhances the experience of participants by showing the value brought to the design process by constructors, integrating their understanding of market conditions, risks and other project contextual information. Limitations: The simulation emulates a process based on the experiences of the first author and the structure provided by the Silo Game. The simulation goes beyond design work; it incorporates constructors’ input and construction context knowledge but does not include building operators, maintenance, and decommissioning as a part of Whole Life Target Value Design (Tommelein et Ballard 2016). This paper is one additional step towards the creation of further Target Value Delivery simulations. Implications: The simulation is documented to be broadly used to teach key principles of Target Value Delivery and should be used to develop future simulations. Value for practitioners: The simulation offers a hands-on and simple way to engage participants to address questions, trade-offs, and procedural elements involved in Target Value Delivery. It can be added to a training workshop or classroom. Keywords: Target Value Delivery (TVD), Target Value Design (TVd), collaboration, integrated project delivery, value, simulation, game, Target Costing Paper type: Full paper

Investigation of the sense of school belonging and sportspersonship behavior of students playing traditional children’s games

The purpose of this study is to examine the sense of school belonging and sportspersonship behaviors of students who participate in traditional children's games. The research was designed using a quasi-experimental model with a pre-test and post-test control group and was conducted over a period of 16 weeks. The study group consisted of a total of 1871 students, including 1379 middle school and 492 high school students, continuing their education in Eskil, Aksaray during the 2023–2024 academic year. The experimental group students participated in the games and inter-school tournaments within the scope of the “2nd I Live My Values with Traditional Games Project” No intervention was applied to the control group after the introduction of the games. The “School Belongingness Scale” and the “Physical Education Course Sportspersonship Behavior Scale” were used as data collection tools. For data analysis, MANOVA, paired samples t-test, and regression analysis were employed. The findings of the study indicated that both the experimental and control groups showed positive scores in pre-test and post-test measures of school belongingness and sportspersonship behaviors. However, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in their sense of school belonging and sportspersonship behaviors in favor of the post-test. While no significant change was observed in the control group's sense of school belonging, a decline was noted in their sportspersonship behaviors. The experimental group exhibited greater development in school belongingness and sportspersonship behaviors compared to the control group. Although middle school students showed improvements in their sense of school belonging, high school students experienced a more substantial emotional development. No significant differences were found in school belongingness and sportspersonship behaviors based on the students' gender. Sportspersonship behavior predicted school belongingness by 11%, suggesting that positive sportspersonship behaviors increased school attachment among children. In conclusion, it was determined that students participating in traditional children's games developed a more positive sense of school belonging and sportspersonship behaviors over time. Based on the positive outcomes of student participation in traditional games, it is recommended to promote these games, incorporate them into physical education classes, and increase participation in tournaments.

Leveraging Oral Assessments to Enhance Learning and Integrity in Teaching Data Analytics

The rapid advancement of generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, has significantly impacted academic integrity in higher education. This paper explores the integration of oral assessments with traditional project evaluation in data analytics courses to address these challenges. While oral assessments cannot completely prevent cheating, they enable examiners to probe students' understanding more deeply. We present an overview of our assessment design and processes rather than detailed student results. We compare the implementation of oral assessments in a fully online professional course and a face-to-face undergraduate course. Moreover, we compare results before and after oral assessment training and explore AI’s role in efficiently generating individualised questions. Our findings demonstrate that oral assessments reduce academic dishonesty, enhance comprehension, and increase assessment rigour.

Research on the application of a hybrid intelligent algorithm in reducing the negative response of shield tunneling construction

Traditional shield project control relies on manual monitoring and management, which suffers from poor reliability, lag, and other defects. In this paper, a hybrid algorithm based on Bayesian optimization (BO), light gradient enhancer (LGBM), and nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-III (NSGA-III) is proposed to realize intelligent control of shield construction safety. The BO-LGBM-NSGA-III is a multiobjective optimization algorithm that takes cutterhead wear and shield energy consumption as objective functions and the nonlinear mapping function of surface settlement and construction parameters as fitness functions. Based on the Pareto distribution of the optimized backing structure construction parameters, reasonable limits of the control parameters of the shield tunneling machine are obtained. The conclusions are as follows. (1) The R2 of the test set for surface subsidence prediction is 0.916, and the RMSE is 2.655. (2) The proposed method can achieve multiobjective optimization, and the surface settlement, cutter head wear, and shield energy consumption are optimized by 49.92%, 24.38%, and 41.88%, respectively. (3) By using this method, both prediction and optimization can be realized, and the optimal control scheme can be obtained. The negative impact of shield tunneling construction has been significantly reduced.

Optimizing development and operations from the project success perspective using the analytic hierarchy process

By merging development and operation disciplines, the approach known as development and operations (DevOps) can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of software development. Despite its potential benefits, successfully implementing DevOps within traditional project management frameworks presents significant challenges. This study explores the critical factors influencing the implementation of DevOps practices from the project management perspective, specifically focusing on software development projects in the Ministry of Finance. This study utilizes the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to prioritize the critical elements of project success criteria and DevOps factors necessary for effective implementation. The findings indicate that stakeholder satisfaction, quality, and value creation are the primary criteria for project success. Moreover, knowledge and skills, collaboration and communication, and robust infrastructure are pivotal factors for facilitating DevOps within project management. The study provides actionable insights for organizations aiming to improve their project outcomes by incorporating DevOps and offers a systematic approach to decision-making using AHP. This study recognizes limitations due to its focus on specific contexts and emphasizes the need for future research in diverse organizational environments to validate and expand these findings.

Optimization of architectural design and construction with integrated BIM and PLM methodologies.

Digital transformation in the architecture industry encounters challenges such as data silos within design stages, between design and construction, and across the entire industry chain, including BIM and project management. This study introduces a pioneering approach for seamlessly integrating building information modeling (BIM) and product lifecycle management (PLM) within the management framework and collaborative workflows of architectural design and construction. The proposed methodology was implemented in two major projects, namely, the Wuhan Next-Generation Weather Radar Construction Project and the Hubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention Comprehensive Capacity Enhancement Project (Phase I), with the former being China's first end-to-end digitally integrated construction project. Compared with traditional projects, these implementations achieved improvements of 24.39% and 38.04%, respectively, in objective function values. The findings highlight the unique advantages of BIM-PLM integration in optimizing lifecycle management, enhancing cross-disciplinary, cross-enterprise, and cross-regional collaboration, improving project design efficiency and quality, and reducing costs and waste. This integration provides valuable insights into the digital advancement of the construction industry.

The role of big data technology in project schedule management: the case of Amazon

With the rapid development of the Internet, big data technology has received widespread attention in the field of management. Traditional project schedule management methods cannot adapt to the complex and changing environment, and some researchers believe that big data technology has become a key tool to improve and optimize project management. However, there is a lack of mature theoretical systems and practical experience to guide the application of big data technology. Based on the case of Amazon, this paper analyses how the company uses big data technology to optimize project schedule management. It is found that the application of big data technology in project management brings significant benefits. It is able to provide empirical and innovative support for project schedule management. This paper discusses the application of big data technology in project schedule management, highlighting its capability to enable timely adjustments. Real-time monitoring and forecasting facilitate proactive management of project directions and potential risks. Moreover, it leverages real-time data to optimize resource allocation and enhance resource utilization. Furthermore, the paper addresses the challenges and proposes countermeasures associated with big data technology in this context. To tackle the issue of uneven data quality, a robust data collection mechanism should be established.

AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT: ANALYZING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AGILE METHODOLOGIES IN IT PROJECTS COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL APPROACHES

This systematic review examines the comparative effectiveness of Agile and traditional project management methodologies, focusing on their application in dynamic IT environments and well-defined industries. Utilizing the PRISMA guidelines, a total of 45 peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2023 were analyzed. The review found that Agile methodologies consistently outperformed traditional approaches in dynamic settings, offering greater flexibility, faster project delivery, and higher customer satisfaction through iterative cycles and continuous stakeholder engagement. However, traditional methods, such as Waterfall, were found to be more effective in projects with fixed scopes and stringent regulatory requirements, providing better control and predictability. The review also highlights the growing adoption of hybrid project management models, which combine Agile’s adaptability with the structure of traditional methods, particularly in large or complex projects. The findings underscore the importance of selecting the appropriate methodology based on project-specific factors, with Agile excelling in fast-changing environments and traditional methods being more suitable for regulated industries. Further research is recommended to explore Agile’s applicability in non-IT sectors and the long-term effectiveness of hybrid models.

The Project Book: A Toolkit for Stakeholder Management in International Development Projects

This article presents a methodology of management of International Development Projects designed for offshoring agents that, on a traditional project management basis (phases and processes), adds an open documentary system (Project Book) and the application of participatory action research techniques. The Project Book enhances transparency and therefore confidence and engagement. Participatory action research techniques support intercultural management of the projects’ stakeholders. The methodology has been tested in three cases of «health», «production», and «education sectors», executed in Colombia. The quality and success of the project after the application is characterized by an 80 % acceptance of the agents.

Project Controls Model for Sustainable Construction Projects

As sustainability rises in significance in the construction industry, there is a need to adopt new project management techniques to help achieve increases in sustainability objectives. There have been several research works that have investigated the integration of sustainability in construction. However, there is a gap in addressing performance measurement and evaluation during the construction phase. Traditional project performance evaluation methods use the Earned Value Management (EVM) technique to assess time, cost, and scope performance. However, EVM does not address the performance of sustainability goals. The main objective of this paper is to develop a new project controls method for sustainable construction projects. Sustainability performance indicators can play an essential role in advancing the practice of sustainable construction. Accordingly, a Sustainable Earned Value Management (SEVM) model incorporating sustainability indicators was developed to monitor the attainment of sustainability objectives in construction projects in addition to the traditional objectives. The proposed SEVM model uses the construction planning optimization model to prepare the baseline plan to monitor the project’s time, cost, and sustainability performance. The proposed model enhances the monitoring and control of sustainable construction projects in terms of time, cost, and sustainability using sustainability indicators.

Study with graphic in designers about climate change communication

Communication for action about climate change is difficult to operationalize. Capturing attention and motivating action requires understandable scientific data. We developed and tested a tool to boost graphic designers' ideation.We crossed communication objectives, the nature of content and conditions for visual communication with the need to capture attention, promote risk perception and motivate action. We conclude that the design of graphic communication objects may need to go beyond the use of images, the data-driven narratives and individual testimonies. Understanding human causes of climate change needs a multidisciplinary approach to the traditional graphic design project field with visual communication strategies that integrate existing knowledge.

IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKS: EVALUATING BEST PRACTICES AND METHODOLOGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This study provides a systematic review of IT project management frameworks, examining the effectiveness, adaptability, and risk management strategies of methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, PRINCE2, Scrum, and hybrid approaches. A total of 133 peer-reviewed articles were analyzed to gain insights into how these frameworks are being applied across various industries and project environments. The findings reveal that hybrid models, which combine the structured governance of traditional methodologies like Waterfall with the iterative flexibility of Agile, are becoming increasingly popular, especially in industries requiring both regulatory compliance and adaptability to changing requirements. Agile frameworks were shown to significantly improve project delivery speed, stakeholder satisfaction, and risk mitigation through continuous iterations and feedback loops, while traditional methodologies like Waterfall remain essential in sectors with strict documentation and control requirements. The review also highlights the critical role of risk management across all frameworks, with hybrid models offering the most comprehensive approach by integrating early-stage planning with ongoing risk assessment. Despite the success of these frameworks in IT-related industries, a notable gap was identified in their application to non-IT sectors, suggesting a need for further research to explore their broader applicability. This review underscores the continued relevance of traditional, Agile, and hybrid project management frameworks, while also pointing to future opportunities for expanding their use beyond IT.

Аналіз міжнародного досвіду під час впровадження контрактів «Design-Build» та «Design-Build-Operate»

Introduction. The article examines the international experience of implementing large infrastructure projects in various countries using the “Design-Build” and “Design-Build-Operate” methods. It analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches and explores the possibility of applying them in infrastructure projects in Ukraine. Problem Statement. The shortcomings of the traditional project implementation method involve sequential completion of design and construction phases, time spent on organizing tenders for each stage, coordinating various contractors, and the distribution of responsibilities between the designer and the builder. Additional time costs may also arise if changes need to be made to the project documentation during construction. Objective. To analyze international experience in implementing infrastructure projects using “Design-Build” and “Design-Build-Operate” contracts. The goal is to identify the advantages and disadvantages of these contracts and determine their potential as an alternative to the traditional method for possible implementation in Ukraine. Materials and Methods. The research is based on analyzing international experiences with

Exploring prescriptive and agile management of university-based living labs

ABSTRACT University-based living labs serve as open innovation platforms that foster collaborative research and experimentation across various disciplines. These labs bring together academics, citizens, community organisations, companies, and other entities to collectively address complex contemporary issues. The labs’ managers are expected to adopt flexible, agile management approaches to support the openness of their lab to stakeholders. Flexible management approaches create various challenges, as the labs are often expected also to comply with traditional project management principles of deadlines, project deliverables, budget restrictions, and quality conditions as set by their project sponsors and host organisation. The combination of prescriptive and agile project management approaches in such open innovation settings has been relatively underexplored in higher education research. Drawing on the theoretical literature on boundary work and project management, we analyse how the managers of a Dutch university-based living lab execute flexible project management styles in a setting that is dominated by prescriptive project management traditions. Based on information from 20 interviews and document analysis we identify five areas of tension between agile and prescriptive project management. Living lab managers, supported by researchers, buffer these tensions through boundary work that shapes the openness of the projects in rather unexpected ways.

Empirical Study on Delays in Highway Projects: A Comparative Analysis of Small and Large Projects

Delays in National Highway projects, regardless of their geographical location, have exerted a substantial impact on project performance and yielded unfavourable economic consequences. The majority of these projects in India are implemented by Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), which use a wide range of contract types, including traditional ones such as item rate contracts and bills of quantity, in addition to more modern alternatives such as build operate transfer, engineering procurement and transfer, and recently developed hybrid models. This study examines and compares the reasons of critical delays in national highway projects in Himachal Pradesh with project characteristics. This mixed-methods study gathered comprehensive data from project participants using qualitative analysis and a survey questionnaire. Interviews and document analysis identified delay factors, which were then assessed through a structured questionnaire distributed to a representative sample of project participants. The findings highlight critical delay factors in National Highway projects in Himachal Pradesh and offer insights into the unique challenges faced by large PPP projects and small traditional projects. Despite the small sample size of 134 survey responses, the findings are significant but may have limited applicability to other infrastructure projects due to socio-economic and geographic variations. This suggests a research gap indicating that further analysis is needed to understand the challenges in EPC and PPPs for large hilly road projects, along with a focused study on organizational culture to assess highway project performance. This study contributes empirical data to the literature about the steep National Highway projects in Himachal Pradesh. Policymakers, project specialists, and stakeholders may ascertain the reasons of delays and formulate targeted actions to enhance project efficiency.