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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2022

Bashir Tijani, Xiaohua Jin and Robert Osei-Kyei

Due to the frenetic and dynamic working conditions ascribed to architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) project organizations, enormous research has addressed the poor…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to the frenetic and dynamic working conditions ascribed to architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) project organizations, enormous research has addressed the poor mental health propensity of project management practitioners (PMPs). However, research has not considered the distant factors related to organizational design causing poor mental health. Therefore, this study addresses the problem by integrating institutional theory, agency theory and resource-based theory (RBT) to explore the relationship between organizational design elements: project governance, knowledge management, integrated project delivery, project management skills and mental health management indicators. Examples of mental health management indicators include social relationships, work-life balance and project leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling method was adopted to collect survey data from 90 PMPs in 60 AEC firms in Australia. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilized to test the relationship between the variables.

Findings

The research found that project governance, knowledge management and integrated project delivery are positively correlated to mental health management indicators. However, the research finding suggests that project management skills have a negative impact on mental health management indicators.

Originality/value

The findings offer guidelines to AEC firms on achieving positive mental health management outcomes through concentration on project governance, knowledge management and integrated project delivery. It further calls for a reconsideration of existing project management skills causing poor mental health management outcomes.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Yixue Shen, Naomi Brookes, Luis Lattuf Flores and Julia Brettschneider

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential of data analytics to enhance project delivery. Yet many argue that its application in projects is still lagging…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential of data analytics to enhance project delivery. Yet many argue that its application in projects is still lagging behind other disciplines. This paper aims to provide a review of the current use of data analytics in project delivery encompassing both academic research and practice to accelerate current understanding and use this to formulate questions and goals for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

We propose to achieve the research aim through the creation of a systematic review of the status of data analytics in project delivery. Fusing the methodology of integrative literature review with a recently established practice to include both white and grey literature amounts to an approach tailored to the state of the domain. It serves to delineate a research agenda informed by current developments in both academic research and industrial practice.

Findings

The literature review reveals a dearth of work in both academic research and practice relating to data analytics in project delivery and characterises this situation as having “more gap than knowledge.” Some work does exist in the application of machine learning to predicting project delivery though this is restricted to disparate, single context studies that do not reach extendible findings on algorithm selection or key predictive characteristics. Grey literature addresses the potential benefits of data analytics in project delivery but in a manner reliant on “thought-experiments” and devoid of empirical examples.

Originality/value

Based on the review we articulate a research agenda to create knowledge fundamental to the effective use of data analytics in project delivery. This is structured around the functional framework devised by this investigation and highlights both organisational and data analytic challenges. Specifically, we express this structure in the form of an “onion-skin” model for conceptual structuring of data analytics in projects. We conclude with a discussion about if and how today’s project studies research community can respond to the totality of these challenges. This paper provides a blueprint for a bridge connecting data analytics and project management.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 November 2023

Bamidele Temitope Arijeloye

This paper aims to help understand how adopting risk allocation criteria impacts the delivery of public–private partnership (PPP) mass housing in Nigeria with the view of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to help understand how adopting risk allocation criteria impacts the delivery of public–private partnership (PPP) mass housing in Nigeria with the view of promoting the adoption of PPP housing scheme in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design adopts the census sampling approach by using well-structured questionnaires distributed to stakeholders involved in PPP-procured mass housing projects, i.e. consultants, in-house professionals, contractors and the organized private sector, registered with PPP departments in the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority, Abuja, Nigeria. Sixty-three risk factors, nine risk allocation criteria and nine project delivery indices were submitted for the respondents to rank on a Likert scale of 7. Two hypotheses were formulated to test whether the risk allocation criteria impacted PPP mass housing delivery or otherwise. The study adopts partial least square-structural equation modeling to model the effect of risk on risk allocation criteria on project delivery indices and risk severity.

Findings

The finding shows that project risk allocation criteria have less effect on project delivery indices than on risk severity. The study concludes that risk allocation principles do not directly affect the delivery of PPP-procured mass housing projects. This is evident by the path coefficient of 0.724 values, which is not statistically significant at a 5% alpha protection value. The study concludes that allocating critical risk factors influences the performance of PPP-procured mass housing projects, as the path coefficient of 0.360 is also not significantly far from 0 and at a 5% alpha protection value.

Originality/value

The study is one of the recent studies conducted in PPP-procured mass housing projects in Nigeria owing to the novelty of procurement option in the sector. It highlights the risk factors that can jeopardize the PPP-procured mass housing project objectives. The study is of immense value to PPP actors in the sector by providing the necessary information required to formulate risk response methods to minimize the impact of the risk factors in PPP mass housing projects.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2023

Debadyuti Das and Aditya Singh

The present work seeks to determine the optimal delivery schedule of equipment at a project site in the backdrop of limited storage space, at a minimum cost, and without…

Abstract

Purpose

The present work seeks to determine the optimal delivery schedule of equipment at a project site in the backdrop of limited storage space, at a minimum cost, and without disturbing the overall project schedule. In addition, the optimized delivery schedule helps in minimizing the fluctuating requirements of space at the project site across the entire project lifespan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is carried out at a Steel plant operating in a constrained space but undergoing a production capacity expansion. The problem motivated us to explore the possibility of postponing the delivery dates of certain equipment closer to the erection dates without compromising on the project schedule. Given the versatility of linear programming models in dealing with such schedule optimization problems, the authors formulated the above problem as a Zero-One Integer Linear Programming problem.

Findings

The model is implemented for all the new equipment arriving for two major units – the Hot Strip Mill (HSM) and the Blast Furnace (BF). It generates an optimized delivery schedule by delaying the delivery of some equipment by a certain number of periods, without compromising the overall project schedule and at a minimum storage cost. The average space utilization increases by 25.85 and 14.79% in HSM and BF units respectively. The fluctuations in space requirements are reduced substantially in both units.

Originality/value

The study shows a timeline in the form of a Gantt chart for the delivery of equipment, storage of equipment across different periods, and the number of periods for which the delivery of certain equipment needs to be postponed. The study uses linearly increasing storage costs with the increase in the number of periods for storage of the equipment in the temporary shed.

Highlights

  1. Determined the optimal delivery schedule of the equipment in a project environment in the backdrop of limited storage space in the project site.

  2. Formulated the above problem as a Zero-One Integer Linear Programming (ILP) problem.

  3. The average space utilization has increased by 25.85 and 14.79% in HSM and BF units respectively.

  4. The optimized delivery schedule helps in reducing the fluctuations in space requirements substantially across the entire lifespan of the project.

  5. The timeline of delivery of equipment, storage of equipment across different periods and periods of postponement of the equipment are shown in the form of a Gantt Chart.

Determined the optimal delivery schedule of the equipment in a project environment in the backdrop of limited storage space in the project site.

Formulated the above problem as a Zero-One Integer Linear Programming (ILP) problem.

The average space utilization has increased by 25.85 and 14.79% in HSM and BF units respectively.

The optimized delivery schedule helps in reducing the fluctuations in space requirements substantially across the entire lifespan of the project.

The timeline of delivery of equipment, storage of equipment across different periods and periods of postponement of the equipment are shown in the form of a Gantt Chart.

Details

Journal of Advances in Management Research, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0972-7981

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2022

Vassiliki Demetracopoulou, William J. O'Brien, Nabeel Khwaja, Jeffrey Feghaly and Mounir El Asmar

Over the last three decades, construction projects have increasingly been delivered through alternative delivery methods. As a result, many owners have a range of delivery methods…

Abstract

Purpose

Over the last three decades, construction projects have increasingly been delivered through alternative delivery methods. As a result, many owners have a range of delivery methods to choose from and aim to use the right one for each of their projects. Researchers have developed several tools and decision-support processes to facilitate this selection procedure. The purpose of this study is to review and discuss differences and common themes across selection tools developed by academic researchers and project owners.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reviews prominent selection processes and tools used for infrastructure projects by conducting an in-depth literature review and using the content analysis method to elicit findings on the methodologies and criteria presented in the literature.

Findings

This study presents three principal findings. First, findings show three common themes emerge within the selection criteria—characteristics, goals and risks. Second, while academic studies most commonly suggest employing multi-attribute analysis, this study reveals that, in practice, selection tools most frequently employ a staged or gated evaluation based on the type of criteria and their importance to the decision. Finally, this review further highlights the importance of institutional context in decision-making.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the body of knowledge by providing guidance to practitioners and opening new directions for researchers around the way selection criteria are categorized in the relevant literature and the institutional context considerations when structuring or evaluating a selection process or tool.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2023

Amir Naser Ghanbaripour, Craig Langston, Roksana Jahan Tumpa and Greg Skulmoski

Despite considerable research on the subject, there is still some misunderstanding about what characterizes successful project delivery in construction projects. Evaluating…

457

Abstract

Purpose

Despite considerable research on the subject, there is still some misunderstanding about what characterizes successful project delivery in construction projects. Evaluating project delivery success is crucial for organizations since it enables them to prepare for future growth through more effective project management mechanisms and rank the organization's projects for continuous improvement. There is considerable disagreement over a set of success criteria that can be applied to all kinds of projects when evaluating project delivery success, making it a complicated procedure for practitioners and scholars. This research seeks to alleviate the problem by validating and testing a systematic project delivery success model (3D integration model) in the Australian construction industry. The aim is to establish a dependable approach built upon prior research and reliable in evaluating delivery success for any project type.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a novel project delivery success model, this research applies a case study methodology to analyse 40 construction projects undertaken by a single Australian project management consultancy. The research utilizes a mixed-method research approach and triangulates three sets of data. First, the project delivery success (PDS) scores of the projects are calculated by the model. Second, a qualitative analysis targeting the performance of the same projects using a different system called the performance assessment review (PAR) scores was obtained. These culminate in two sets of ranking. The third step seeks validation of results from the head of the partnering organization that has undertaken the projects.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that the 3D integration model is accurate and reliable in measuring the success of project delivery in construction projects of various sizes, locations and durations. While the model uses six key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure delivery success, it is evident that three of these may significantly improve the likelihood of PDS: value, speed and impact. Project managers should focus on these priority aspects of performance to generate better results.

Research limitations/implications

Restrictions inherent to the case study approach are identified for this mixed-method multiple-case study research. There is a limitation on the sample size in this study. Despite the researcher's best efforts, no other firm was willing to share such essential data; therefore, only 40 case studies could be analysed. Nonetheless, the number of case studies met the literature's requirements for adequate units for multiple-case research. This research only looked at Australian construction projects. Thus, the conclusions may not seem applicable to other countries or industries. The authors investigated testing the PDS in the construction sector. It can assist in improving efficiency and resource optimization in this area. Nonetheless, the same technique may be used to analyse and rank the success of non-construction projects.

Originality/value

Despite the research conducted previously on the PDS of construction projects, there is still confusion among researchers and practitioners about what constitutes a successful project delivery. Although several studies have attempted to address this confusion, no consensus on consistent performance metrics or a practical project success model has been formed. More importantly, (1) the ability to measure success across multiple project types, (2) the use of triple bottom line (TBL) to incorporate sustainability in evaluating delivery success and (3) the use of a complexity measurement tool to adjust delivery success scores set the 3D integration model apart from others.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 June 2022

Emmanuel Itodo Daniel and Olalekan Oshodi

The purpose of this study is to present an overview of the existing knowledge on the combined application of lean, off-site and simulation (LOS) in housing delivery.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present an overview of the existing knowledge on the combined application of lean, off-site and simulation (LOS) in housing delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review approach was adopted. Based on a comprehensive search using Scopus, Web of Science and the International Group for Lean Construction databases, 66 relevant journal articles were identified and analysed.

Findings

This study found that the most significant impacts of the combined application of LOS in housing delivery are the capacity to visualise the production processes as a whole in real time, exposure and removal of non-value-adding activities from the production and faster delivery. However, the combined application of LOS is low compared to a single application of each technique in housing delivery.

Practical implications

The results provide relevant stakeholders and actors in the housing sector (private and public housing developers, off-site housing manufacturers and constructors, housing associations and government housing agencies, among others) with the information needed to improve the outcomes of housing delivery through the application of LOS.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the ongoing debate on addressing the global housing shortage by presenting an integrated overview of the existing knowledge on the impact of the nexus of LOS and providing compelling evidence for its usage in housing delivery. It also demonstrates how the combined application of LOS supports the achievement of the flow and value view in the transformation flow value model, which was not previously reported.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 23 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 April 2024

Tennakoon Mudiyanselage Maheshi Pabasara Tennakoon, Nicholas Chileshe, Raufdeen Rameezdeen, J. Jorge Ochoa and Aparna Samaraweera

Offsite construction (OC) is an efficient method to reduce waste in the construction industry from a circular economy perspective. Yet, its uptake is subdued by the ambiguities…

Abstract

Purpose

Offsite construction (OC) is an efficient method to reduce waste in the construction industry from a circular economy perspective. Yet, its uptake is subdued by the ambiguities around its supply chain. Hence, the purpose of this study is twofold: to identify the OC project delivery models, the limitations in their procurement approach to facilitate the resilience of the supply chain and interventions to promote supply chain resilience (SCR) and to identify the gaps in the existing procurement process and propose further research areas that implement strategies to improve SCR.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted as a systematic literature review. In total, 41 peer-reviewed research papers published between 2013 and 2023 were shortlisted through the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. A descriptive analysis was conducted, followed by a thematic analysis.

Findings

The descriptive analysis reveals that the emphasis on digitising OC has shifted to transforming the business model, procurement and supply chain with a human-centric view. In thematic analysis, the predictability of the SC partners and the probabilities of evaluating the prospects are revealed as arbitrary characteristics in the current procurement strategies. Rewarding collaborative relationships among SC partners and incorporating provisions to postpone the module delivery are some interventions to promote flexibility. Drafting comprehensive and effective contracts that address transparency issues and facilitating the need for continuous development of capabilities through procurement are among the further research avenues proposed.

Originality/value

This study is a precursor demonstrating the potential of the procurement process to implement the decrees of SCR for better goal congruence of the OC supply chain.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 September 2022

Najib AL-Fadhali

Construction project stakeholders can have a major effect on delivering projects on time. However, little attempt has been made to address the influence of internal stakeholders…

Abstract

Purpose

Construction project stakeholders can have a major effect on delivering projects on time. However, little attempt has been made to address the influence of internal stakeholders on delaying project delivery. This research aims to propose the internal stakeholders' influence as a solution to improving project delivery performance (PDP) in order to boost the value of investment in the construction industry's projects.

Design/methodology/approach

In Yemen, a structured questionnaire was distributed to owners, consultants and contractors, 283 of which were found usable after the data screening. A purposeful sampling technique was used and structural equation modelling (SEM) was adopted for analysis. The structural model was drawn up, based on seven categories of influencing factors: labour, supplier, designer, contractor, consultant, sub-contractor and owner.

Findings

The results of the structural model suggest that of these seven categories, designers, owners, suppliers and subcontractors have a significant p-value and impact on PDP, while the labour and consultant's impact was not substantiated. The findings support the proposal that internal stakeholders' influence contributes directly to construction PDP.

Originality/value

The influence of stakeholders on PDP is important. Nonetheless, few studies have focussed on their effectiveness, especially in developing countries. This paper's contribution is evaluating the cause–effect relationship between stakeholders' influence and construction PDP through analysis of moment structures (AMOS) analysis. The policy implications of the research are to encourage governments in general and construction companies in particular to take responsibility for improving PDP, as slow execution of construction projects leads to increased costs, failure and abandoning projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 February 2022

Bankole Osita Awuzie, Zwelinzima P. Mcwari, Progress Shingai Chigangacha, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Theo C. Haupt and Lovelin Obi

An increase in outsourcing of consultancy services has been observed during procurement and delivery of public-sector infrastructure projects. However, the incidence of project…

Abstract

Purpose

An increase in outsourcing of consultancy services has been observed during procurement and delivery of public-sector infrastructure projects. However, the incidence of project failure has continued unabated despite this shift by public-sector entities. Also, there appears to be limited literature focussed on seeking to provide the rationale governing the decision to outsource or insource consultancy services by public-sector organisations. The purpose of this study was to appraise the performance of public-sector projects in which consultancy services have been outsourced or insourced. These are the gaps which this study was undertaken to fill.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory methodology (GTM) research design was adopted based on the nature of evidence sought and gathered from a Provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (PDPWI) in South Africa. Data was obtained from a mixture of semi-structured interviews and project-specific documents spanning a five-year period and was analysed according to the procedures associated with GTM. Accordingly, open coding, axial coding and pattern matching were carried out at several intervals to develop categories and themes.

Findings

The findings of the study showed the absence of a structured approach within the PDPWI for facilitating decisions pertaining to outsourcing or insourcing consultancy services within construction projects. Furthermore, the study established that both approaches yielded similar results across all performance facets of cost, time and quality. In addition, a detailed insight into the steps required for the successful application of GTM in built environment research has been provided in the study.

Originality/value

Limited studies have been undertaken to compare the impact of either outsourced or insourced services on the organisational and project performance. This was the gap to which the study reported in this paper was undertaken to contribute.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

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