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Article
Publication date: 30 March 2023

Seyed Ashkan Zarghami and Ofer Zwikael

A variety of buffer allocation methods exist to distribute an aggregated time buffer among project activities. However, these methods do not pay simultaneous attention to two key…

Abstract

Purpose

A variety of buffer allocation methods exist to distribute an aggregated time buffer among project activities. However, these methods do not pay simultaneous attention to two key attributes of disruptive events that may occur during the construction phase: probability and impact. This paper fills this research gap by developing a buffer allocation method that takes into account the synergistic impact of these two attributes on project activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a three-step method, calculating the probability that project activities are disrupted in the first step, followed by measuring the potential impact of disruption on project activities, and then proposing a risk-informed buffer allocation index by simultaneously integrating probability and impact outputs from the first two steps.

Findings

The proposed method provides more accurate results by sidestepping the shortcomings of conventional fuzzy-based and simulation-based methods that are purely based on expert judgments or historical precedence. Further, the paper provides decision-makers with a buffer allocation method that helps in developing cost-effective buffering and backup strategies by prioritizing project activities and their required resources.

Originality/value

This paper develops a risk-informed buffer allocation method that differs from those already available. The simultaneous pursuit of the probability and impact of disruptions distinguishes our method from conventional buffer allocation methods. Further, this paper intertwines the research domains of complexity science and construction management by performing centrality analysis and incorporating a key attribute of project complexity (i.e. the interconnectedness between project activities) into the process for buffer allocation.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2023

Seyed Ashkan Zarghami

The overarching objective of this paper is to examine the cause–effect relationships among building and information modeling (BIM)-related risk factors and their impact on the…

Abstract

Purpose

The overarching objective of this paper is to examine the cause–effect relationships among building and information modeling (BIM)-related risk factors and their impact on the implementation of BIM in construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on previous research to identify and categorize BIM-related risk factors. It then develops a system dynamics (SD) model to examine the cause–effect relationships among these factors leading to issues in BIM implementation.

Findings

The proposed SD model illustrates how nine reinforcing feedback loops provide connections between four categories of risks, namely, technical, information, legal and organizational risks and, consequently, create vicious cycles that threaten the successful implementation of BIM.

Originality/value

This paper is among a few studies that depart from reductionism by taking a holistic approach and demonstrating how the interactions between BIM-related risk factors lead to vicious cycles that threaten the successful implementation of BIM.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2024

Seyed Ashkan Zarghami

Available studies on anticorruption practices in the construction industry are exploratory with a very limited theoretical basis. This paper aims to provide a solid theoretical…

Abstract

Purpose

Available studies on anticorruption practices in the construction industry are exploratory with a very limited theoretical basis. This paper aims to provide a solid theoretical foundation to examine situational factors that influence the corruption intentions of individuals and organizations in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a systematic literature review to synthesize construction management literature that suggests anticorruption practices. The identified practices are then examined using two theoretical frameworks: the fraud diamond theory and Lange’s corruption control framework.

Findings

The results of this research demonstrate how the four elements of the fraud diamond theory may trigger corrupt behavior in construction projects. The results also highlight conceptual distinctions among different means of corruption controls based on Lange’s corruption control framework. In addition, the findings of this research suggest that anticorruption practices should address (1) the incentives to act corruptly, (2) the normative means of corruption control, (3) the internal means of preventing corruption and (4) the shift in organizational culture.

Originality/value

This paper departs from prior research on corruption in construction projects by (1) identifying a large spectrum of anticorruption practices, (2) presenting a detailed theoretical interpretation of these practices and (3) viewing anticorruption practices as multidimensional constructs, which, in turn, leads to novel ways of examining these practices in construction projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 July 2023

Jantanee Dumrak and Seyed Ashkan Zarghami

The purpose of this article is to analyze the existing studies on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in lean construction management (LCM). Further, this study offers…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze the existing studies on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in lean construction management (LCM). Further, this study offers a classification scheme that specifies different categories of AI tools, as applied to the field of LCM to support various principles of LCM.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts the systematic literature review (SLR) process, which consists of five consecutive steps: planning, searching, screening, extraction and synthesis and reporting. As a supplement to SLR, a bibliometric analysis is performed to examine the quantity and citation impact of the reviewed papers.

Findings

In this paper, seven key areas related to the principles of LCM for which AI tools have been used are identified. The findings of this research clarify how AI can assist in bolstering the practice of LCM. Further, this article presents directions for the future evolution of AI tools in LCM based on the current emerging trends.

Practical implications

This paper advances the LCM systems by offering a lens through which construction managers can better understand key concepts in the linkage of AI to LCM.

Originality/value

This research offers a new classification scheme that allows researchers to properly recall, identify and group various applications of AI categories in the construction industry based on various principles of LCM. In addition, this study provides a source of references for researchers in the LCM discipline, which advances knowledge and facilitates theory development in the field.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 August 2022

Ofer Zwikael, Michelle Salmona, Jack Meredith and Seyed Ashkan Zarghami

Although the literature is clear on what comprises effective project stakeholder management, communication between key stakeholders and project managers is often ineffective…

1890

Abstract

Purpose

Although the literature is clear on what comprises effective project stakeholder management, communication between key stakeholders and project managers is often ineffective. Research is silent on stakeholders' insufficient knowledge of project management terminology, which is a barrier for such effective communication. This paper aims to identify the project management concepts that key stakeholders should understand to improve effective communication.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a three-step research design. In the first step, based on threshold concept theory, the authors identify the key project management concepts through interviews with 20 project management practitioners, trainers and trainees. In the second step, the authors confirm the findings from the first step and identify effective approaches to enhance project stakeholders' communication through seven additional interviews with project stakeholders. In the third step, the authors construct a functional model of the research findings by employing a system-level modeling tool.

Findings

This research identifies five project management threshold concepts (TC) that are challenging for project stakeholders to understand (1) project benefits, (2) the iron triangle, (3) the critical path, (4) uncertainty and (5) project leadership. Following these knowledge barriers, the paper proposes unique approaches to develop effective project stakeholder communication.

Originality/value

This paper advances project stakeholder management research by identifying knowledge barriers and providing project managers with more effective approaches to better engage with their stakeholders.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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