Search results
1 – 10 of over 3000Quntao Wu, Qiushi Bo, Lan Luo, Chenxi Yang and Jianwang Wang
This study aims to obtain governance strategies for managing the complexity of megaprojects by analyzing the impact of individual factors and their configurations using the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to obtain governance strategies for managing the complexity of megaprojects by analyzing the impact of individual factors and their configurations using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method and to provide references for project managers.
Design/methodology/approach
With the continuous development of the economy, society and construction industry, the number and scale of megaprojects are increasing, and the complexity is becoming serious. Based on the relevant literature, the factors affecting the complexity of megaprojects are determined through case analysis, and the paths of factors affecting the complexity are constructed for megaprojects. Then, the fsQCA method is used to analyze the factors affecting the complexity of megaprojects through 245 valid questionnaires from project engineers in this study.
Findings
The results support the correlation between the complexity factors of megaprojects, with six histological paths leading to high complexity and seven histological paths leading to low complexity.
Originality/value
It breaks the limitations of the traditional project complexity field through a “configuration perspective” and concludes that megaproject complexity is a synergistic effect of multiple factors. The study is important for enriching the theory of megaproject complexity and providing complexity governance strategies for managers in megaproject decision-making.
Details
Keywords
Dara Sruthilaya, Aneetha Vilventhan and P.R.C. Gopal
The purpose of this research is to develop a project complexity index (PCI) model using the best and worst method (BWM) to quantitatively analyze the impact of project…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to develop a project complexity index (PCI) model using the best and worst method (BWM) to quantitatively analyze the impact of project complexities on the performance of metro rail projects.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a two-phase research methodology. The first phase identifies complexities through a literature review and expert discussions and categorizes different types of complexities in metro rail projects. In the second phase, BWM, a robust multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique, was used to prioritize key complexities, and a PCI model was developed. Further, the developed PCI was validated through case studies, and sensitivity analysis was performed to check the accuracy and applicability of the developed PCI model.
Findings
The analysis revealed that location complexity exerted the most substantial influence on project performance, followed by environmental, organizational, technological and contractual complexities. Sensitivity analysis revealed the varying impacts of complexity indices on the overall project complexity.
Practical implications
The study's findings offer a novel approach for measuring project complexity's impact on metro rail projects. This allows stakeholders to make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently and plan strategically.
Originality/value
The existing studies on project complexity identification and quantification were limited to megaprojects other than metro rail projects. Efforts to quantitatively study and analyze the impact of project complexity on metro rail projects are left unattended. The developed PCI model and its validation contribute to the field by providing a definite method to measure and manage complexity in metro rail projects.
Details
Keywords
Nisma Naeem Mian, Muhammad Imran Malik and Saddam Hussain
The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between humble leadership, project success, and service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and how task…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between humble leadership, project success, and service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and how task complexity may moderate this relationship. The study aims to determine if humble leaders are more likely to promote service-oriented OCB among team members and if this behavior in turn leads to greater project success, especially in complex task environments. These relationships are examined through the lens of the conservation of resources theory.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected from the employees working in software companies using a closed-ended questionnaire, and a total of 214 complete questionnaires were analyzed. The research model was tested using structural equation modeling with the help of Smart PLS 3 software.
Findings
Humble leadership is positively associated with service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), which in turn is linked to project success. Task complexity does not appear to have a significant impact on this relationship.
Practical implications
Humble leadership is positively related to IT project success through its influence on service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior and task complexity. Implications include the importance of fostering a humble leadership style to enhance IT project success, as well as the potential benefits of promoting service-oriented behavior among employees. It also highlights the need to consider task complexity when evaluating project success.
Originality/value
The research explores the relationship between “humble leadership” and project success, and how it relates to “service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior” and “task complexity”. It presents an original perspective on the role of leadership in project success and the impact of organizational culture on project outcomes through the lens of the conservation of resources theory.
Details
Keywords
Wensheng Lin, Guangbin Wang, Yan Ning, Qiuwen Ma and Shuyuan Dai
Megaproject performance measurement (MPM) has received great attention in the project management community, but it primarily focused on the design of performance measures or…
Abstract
Purpose
Megaproject performance measurement (MPM) has received great attention in the project management community, but it primarily focused on the design of performance measures or frameworks. Yet, whether MPM utilization can improve megaproject performance and how project actors use MPM to improve megaproject performance is less well understood. This study aims to investigate whether and how the use of MPM can contribute to better megaproject performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Through the lens of the lever of control, this study conceptualizes MPM utilization as diagnostic use and interactive use. A holistic research model and related hypotheses integrating MPM use, project complexity and megaproject performance were established. The model was validated using a partial square-structural equation modeling method.
Findings
Based on 214-megaproject data collected through a questionnaire survey in China, the results show positive effects of diagnostic use and interactive use on megaproject performance. Both, however, have substitutional interaction effects. The moderating results suggest that the higher project complexity weakens the positive effects of MPM utilization on megaproject performance.
Originality/value
This study advances megaprojects performance measurement and management literature by validating the value of MPM utilization on performance. It also presents practical implications for project managers to improve performance by appropriate MPM utilization.
Details
Keywords
Kavita Bhangale, Kanchan Joshi, Ruchita Gupta and Bhaskar Gardas
Project complexity (PC) governs project success, but the project management literature primarily focuses on performance measures and rarely examines the complexity factors…
Abstract
Purpose
Project complexity (PC) governs project success, but the project management literature primarily focuses on performance measures and rarely examines the complexity factors, especially for megaprojects. This paper aims to determine the most significant complexity factors for the railway megaprojects in India.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed approach using the Delphi and best–worst method (BWM) helped to identify, validate and determine the most critical factors that require intervention to diminish variance from project performance.
Findings
The BWM resulted in stakeholder management, followed by organizational and technological complexity as significant complexity factors, and the varied interests of the stakeholder as the most important among the 40 subfactors.
Practical implications
The finding indicates the necessity for strategic, tactical and operational-level interventions to effectively manage the complexity affecting project efficiency because of the varied stakeholders. This paper will guide the project and general managers to prioritize their resources to handle complexity for effective project performance measured in terms of time, cost and quality and help them make strategic decisions. The research findings of this study are expected to help researchers and practitioners in better planning and smoother execution of projects. In addition, this study would help the researchers formulate policies and strategies for better handling of the projects.
Originality/value
This study adds significant value to the body of knowledge related to PC in megaprojects in developing countries. The result of the investigation underlined that nine complexity factors and seven unique subfactors, namely, the sustainable environment, timely availability of information, communication in both directions, interdepartmental dependency and coordination, design, statutory norms, site challenges, socioeconomic conditions, the tendency of staff to accept new technology and the frequent changes in the requirements of stakeholders are significant in railway megaprojects. The BWM is applied to rank the complexity factors and subfactors in the case area.
Details
Keywords
Sharaf AlKheder, Hajar Al Otaibi, Zahra Al Baghli, Shaikhah Al Ajmi and Mohammad Alkhedher
Megaproject's construction is essential for the development and economic growth of any country, especially in the developing world. In Kuwait, megaprojects are facing many…
Abstract
Purpose
Megaproject's construction is essential for the development and economic growth of any country, especially in the developing world. In Kuwait, megaprojects are facing many restrictions that discourage their execution causing a significant delay in bidding, design, construction and operation phases with the execution quality being affected. The objective of this study is to develop a complexity measurement model using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for megaprojects in Kuwait, with a focus on the New Kuwait University multi-billion campus Shadadiyah (College of Social Science, Sharia and Law (CSSL)) as a case study.
Design/methodology/approach
The study applies a hybrid fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method to compare the results with those obtained using the conventional AHP method. This can facilitate the project management activities during the different stages of construction. Data were collected based on the results of a two-round Delphi questionnaire completed by seniors and experts of the selected project.
Findings
It was found that project modeling methodology was responsible for complexity. It was grouped under several categories that include technological, goal, organizational, environmental and cultural complexities. The study compares complexity degrees assessed by AHP and FAHP methods. “Technological Complexity” scores highest in both methods, with FAHP reaching 7.46. “Goal Complexity” follows closely behind, with FAHP. “Cultural Complexity” ranks third, differing between methods, while “Organizational” and “Environmental Complexity” consistently score lower, with FAHP values slightly higher. These results show varying complexity levels across dimensions. Assessing and understanding such complexities were essential toward the completion of such megaprojects.
Originality/value
The contribution of this study is on providing the empirical evidential knowledge for the priority over construction complexities in a developing country (Kuwait) in the Middle East.
Details
Keywords
Kai Liu, Yuming Liu and Yuanyuan Kou
Inter-organizational collaboration is the organizational guarantee and key link to achieve the goals of megaproject management. Project governance has always played an important…
Abstract
Purpose
Inter-organizational collaboration is the organizational guarantee and key link to achieve the goals of megaproject management. Project governance has always played an important role in the construction of megaprojects, but the relationship between project governance and organizational collaboration is unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the role paths of different project governance mechanisms in influencing the collaborative behaviors of stakeholders and collaborative performance and to elucidate the mechanism of project governance on inter-organizational collaboration.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework was developed based on a comprehensive literature review, termed the structural equation model (SEM). The hypotheses of the model were tested based on data obtained from a questionnaire survey of 235 experts with experience in megaprojects within the construction industry in China.
Findings
The results show that project governance positively contributes to the collaborative behavior of megaproject stakeholders and the collaborative performance of the project team. Collaborative behavior acts as a partial mediator between project governance and the collaborative performance of the megaproject inter-organization alliance. The complexity of the project modulates the relationship between the governance mechanism of the project and the collaborative behavior of the stakeholders, which affects the collaborative performance of the megaproject inter-organization alliance.
Originality/value
The findings provide theoretical and practical implications for promoting positive collaborative behavior among stakeholders in megaproject selection and improving the collaborative performance of megaproject inter-organization alliances.
Details
Keywords
Tuan Son Nguyen, Sherif Mohamed and Sherif Mostafa
This study delves into the dynamics between Agile Response to Change (AR), Adaptive Scoping (AS), Stakeholder Engagement (SE) and Project Performance (PP), with a special focus on…
Abstract
Purpose
This study delves into the dynamics between Agile Response to Change (AR), Adaptive Scoping (AS), Stakeholder Engagement (SE) and Project Performance (PP), with a special focus on the moderating influence of Project Complexity (PC). The research, grounded in a thorough literature review, identifies critical gaps in these areas and examines the extent to which PC moderates the effects of AR, AS and SE on PP, offering new perspectives for managing complex projects.
Design/methodology/approach
The research develops a conceptual model based on a critical analysis of existing literature. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed, incorporating 28 items to measure AR, AS, SE, PP and PC. Data was collected from 136 project managers across various industries, and the responses were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to explore the complex interplay between these variables.
Findings
The analysis revealed that internal AR (ARint) significantly enhances both quantitative (PPqt) and qualitative aspects of PP (PPql). AS and SE were found to positively influence PPql, but their impact on PPqt was not significant. Interestingly, PC was observed to negatively moderate the relationship between ARint and PPql, while its moderating effect on the relationship between ARint and PPql was not significant. The study also notes that PC does not significantly alter the positive correlations between AS, SE and PPql.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by elucidating the relationships between ARint, AS, SE and different dimensions of PP. It uniquely explores the role of PC as a moderating variable in these relationships, offering valuable insights for practitioners and researchers in the field of complex project management.
Details
Keywords
Minggong Zhang, Xiaolong Xue, Ting Luo, Mengmeng Li and Xiaoling Tang
This study aims to establish an evaluation method for cross-regional major infrastructure project (CRMIP) supportability. The focus is to identify evaluation indicators from a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to establish an evaluation method for cross-regional major infrastructure project (CRMIP) supportability. The focus is to identify evaluation indicators from a complexity perspective and develop an evaluation model using qualitative and quantitative methods. Case studies are carried out to verify the reliability of the evaluation model, thereby providing theoretical and practical guidance for CRMIP operations and maintenance (O&M).
Design/methodology/approach
Guided by the idea of complexity management, the evaluation indicators of CRMIP supportability are determined through literature analysis, actual O&M experience and expert interviews. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, consisting of sequential relationship analysis, entropy weighting, game theory and cloud model, is developed to determine the indicator weights. Finally, the evaluation model is used to evaluate the supportability of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HZMB), which tests the rationality of the model and reveals its supportability level.
Findings
The results demonstrate that CRMIPs' supportability is influenced by 6 guideline-level and 18 indicator-level indicators, and the priority of the influencing factors includes “organization,” “technology,” “system,” “human resources,” “material system,” and “funding.” As for specific indicators, “organizational objectives,” “organizational structure and synergy mechanism,” and “technical systems and procedures” are critical to CRMIPs' O&M supportability. The results also indicate that the supportability level of the HZMB falls between good and excellent.
Originality/value
Under the guidance of complexity management thinking, this study proposes a supportability evaluation framework based on the combined weights of game theory and the cloud model. This study provides a valuable reference and scientific judgment for the health and safety of CRMIPs' O&M.
Details
Keywords
Xu Ren and Xiangmei Sun
The use of enterprise social media (ESM) can promote knowledge sharing within project teams. However, the potential mechanism of ESM affordances influencing knowledge sharing has…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of enterprise social media (ESM) can promote knowledge sharing within project teams. However, the potential mechanism of ESM affordances influencing knowledge sharing has not been fully studied. This paper aims to develop a theoretical model to explore how individual psychological cognition and environmental factors affect ESM affordances.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical research using ESM applications was conducted in China, and 214 valid responses were collected for data analysis. Partial least squares structural equation modeling method was performed to test the theoretical model and hypotheses.
Findings
The results suggest the following implications: (1) the visibility, persistence, editability and association of ESM affordances all have a positive effect on the effectiveness of knowledge sharing in project teams. (2) The psychological safety and psychological empowerment of team members have a significant positive influence on ESM affordances. (3) The project task complexity positively moderates the positive effects which the visibility and association have on the effectiveness of knowledge sharing, and negatively moderates the positive relationship between the editability and knowledge sharing.
Originality/value
Based on the social cognitive theory, this paper highlights the roles of psychological cognitive factors and project task context in the effect of ESM affordances having on knowledge sharing within project teams. Moreover, it provides valuable suggestions for project managers in project and knowledge management.
Details