{"title":"Stakeholder management challenges and strategies for sustainability issues in megaprojects: case studies from Australia","authors":"S. Senaratne, Abhishek Kc, Siryana Rai","doi":"10.1108/bepam-11-2022-0183","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-11-2022-0183","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeMegaprojects are financially large and complex in scope, which require engagement of stakeholders from various institution and communities. With increased concerns from stakeholders on sustainability related issues, from environmental to socio-economic perspective, managing megaprojects has become quite challenging. Hence, there should be proactive approaches in active engagement of stakeholders from the start of the projects to overcome such issues. Currently, there is a knowledge gap on stakeholder management strategies specific to megaprojects on managing sustainability issues.Design/methodology/approachThis research has adopted review of secondary data from case studies to identify stakeholder management challenges and strategies in megaprojects around Sydney area. The documents related to three different projects were reviewed and data were collected through qualitative content analysis and coding with use of NVivo software for within case analysis and was followed by thematic approach for cross case analysis.FindingsEvery case study project's sustainability-related stakeholder issues are more similar than different to others. Differences are mostly in terms of intensity of impact of any issue in a particular project, and/or intensity of impact at certain phase of any project. Moreover, significant sectors and strategies have been identified for key focus to manage environment and socioeconomic issues. Whatever be the strategies, in case of megaprojects, they need to be mostly proactive.Originality/valueThis research has extended the knowledge on stakeholder management, in relation to managing sustainability-related issues of megaprojects during their design, construction and operation phases. This research offers useful strategies for project teams of megaprojects to develop a proactive stakeholder management plan, addressing unavoidable sustainability challenges.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48174085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Paths leading contractual disputes to litigation","authors":"Murali Jagannathan, V. K. Delhi","doi":"10.1108/bepam-02-2023-0042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-02-2023-0042","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeJudiciary plays a pivotal role in the overall development of a nation's economy and its involvement assures process transparency and impartiality. However, litigation is often expensive, uncertain and prone to delays. Notwithstanding such inherent challenges associated with litigation, it is observed that parties in construction disputes do resort to litigation. This study attempts to understand the potential paths triggering litigation of contractual disputes in construction. While extant researchers have identified focus areas or factors influencing litigation, the underlying paths connecting these focus areas, leading parties to litigation, is explored in this study.Design/methodology/approachConsidering the framework of Rachlinski's “framing theory of litigation” and the mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative approaches), this study proposes and validates a model that identifies the paths to litigation of contractual disputes in construction.FindingsThe results of in-depth interviews, followed by validation through structural equation modelling (SEM), reveal four critical paths, namely positional focus (PF) – contract and dispute characteristics (CDC) – decision to litigate (DTL), milieu influence (MI) – CDC – DTL, MI-PF-DTL and CDC-DTL.Practical implicationsThe identified paths highlight the areas policymakers can consider while developing policy interventions to mitigate litigation.Originality/valueResearchers have identified factors causing litigation in construction. However, attempts to examine the existence of multi-factor “paths” on the decision to litigate (DTL) have hitherto received a muted response, so this study focuses on identifying the project-level path(s) leading to the litigation of contractual disputes in construction.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47628689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Roles of clients in buildability improvement in Nigeria: an exploratory factor analysis","authors":"I. Osuizugbo, O. Aina, A. Onokwai","doi":"10.1108/bepam-01-2023-0007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-01-2023-0007","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeConstruction industry is a vital sector for national and economic development of any country. Past studies reveal that the Nigerian construction industry is suffering from buildability problems. Buildability improvement is the duty of every key stakeholder, including designers, builders and clients. This study sets out to determine the principal roles of clients in buildability improvement in Nigerian construction projects.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was adopted to evaluate construction industry professionals’ views on the roles of clients in buildability improvement in Nigeria. Eighty-one questionnaires were sufficiently filled and returned, representing a return percentage of 76% which formed the basis of this study. Data elicited were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsThe results from factors analysis show that the roles of clients in buildability improvement can be categorised into two constructs: commitment to buildability assessment and other related practices, and adequate planning of project objectives.Originality/valueThis study contributed to more effective buildability studies by highlighting the roles of clients in buildability improvement in the construction industry. An understanding of these roles is very significant for minimising buildability problems as well as for improving and embedding buildability as a practice in the construction industry.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47797881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muhammad Sami Ur Rehman, M. Shafiq, F. Ullah, Khaled Galal Ahmed
{"title":"A critical appraisal of traditional methods of construction progress monitoring","authors":"Muhammad Sami Ur Rehman, M. Shafiq, F. Ullah, Khaled Galal Ahmed","doi":"10.1108/bepam-02-2023-0040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-02-2023-0040","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the current construction progress monitoring (CPM) process in relation to the contractual obligations, how project management teams carry out this activity in the field and why teams continue to adopt the current method. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current monitoring process and its effectiveness, identify any shortcomings and propose recommendations for improvements that can lead to better project outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducted semi-structured interviews with 28 construction management practitioners to explore their views on contractual requirements, traditional progress monitoring practices and advanced monitoring methods. Thematic analysis was used to identify existing processes, practices and incentives for advanced monitoring.FindingsStandard construction contracts mandate current progress monitoring practices, which often rely on manual, document-centric and labor-intensive methods, leading to slow and erroneous progress reporting and project delays. Key barriers to adopting advanced tools include rigid contractual clauses, lack of incentives and the absence of reliable automated tools. A holistic automated approach that covers the entire CPM process, from planning to claim management, is needed as a viable alternative to traditional practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's findings can inform researchers, stakeholders and decision-makers about the existing monitoring practices and contribute to enhancing project management practices.Originality/valueThe study identified contractually mandated progress monitoring processes, traditional methods of collecting, transferring, analyzing and dispensing progress-related information and potential incentives and points of departure towards technologically advanced methods.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49492489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Significant factors affecting the New Zealand transportation infrastructure project cost – quantity surveyors' perception","authors":"C. Atapattu, N. Domingo, M. Sutrisna","doi":"10.1108/bepam-07-2022-0105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-07-2022-0105","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeCost overrun is one of the critical issues faced in construction projects, as nine out of ten projects will likely go over the budget. In particular, transportation infrastructure (TI) projects, such as roads and bridges, are vastly affected by cost overruns, which can delay the entire project. This research intends to identify the factors affecting the cost overruns in New Zealand (NZ) TI projects.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted using a questionnaire survey involving ninety-two participants experienced in infrastructure project estimation in NZ. Quantitative methods were used to analyse the data.FindingsFifty-three factors were identified through literature under ten categories. Based on the survey, ten significant factors were identified with a high grade of importance. The three most critical factors were “frequent design changes,” “poor planning and scheduling” and “inadequate tender documentation.” It was found that the cost overrun is primarily affected by the pre-contract stage causes.Research limitations/implicationsThe data were collected from professionals involved in NZTI projects. Therefore, the implications may be different for other contexts.Practical implicationsThe results will improve the current estimation practice by developing a new statistical model considering all the significant variables for NZTI projects.Originality/valueAlthough much research is done to identify these factors, they are only considered in a few statistical cost models. These new statistical models mainly focused on technical variable factors similar to the current standard estimation process. However, the results of this research, qualitative and quantitative factors, will be used for the future cost model.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45714015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Olubukola O. Tokede, Mani Kumar Boggavarapu, S. Wamuziri
{"title":"Assessment of building retrofit scenarios using embodied energy and life cycle impact assessment","authors":"Olubukola O. Tokede, Mani Kumar Boggavarapu, S. Wamuziri","doi":"10.1108/bepam-07-2022-0103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-07-2022-0103","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeCrucial transition of the Indian residential building sector into a low-emission economy require an in-depth understanding of the potentials for retrofitting the existing building stock. There are, however, limited studies that have recognised the interdependencies and trade-offs in the embodied energy and life cycle impact assessment of retrofit interventions. This research appraises the life cycle assessment and embodied energy output of a residential building in India to assess the environmental implications of selected retrofit scenarios.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilises a single case study building project in South India to assess the effectiveness and impact of three retrofit scenarios based on life cycle assessment (LCA) and embodied energy (EE) estimates. The LCA was conducted using SimaPro version 9.3 and with background data from Ecoinvent database version 3.81. The EE estimates were calculated using material coefficients from relevant databases in the published literature. Monte Carlo Simulation is then used to allow for uncertainties in the estimates for the scenarios.FindingsThe three key findings that materialized from the study are as follows: (1) the retrofitting of Indian residential buildings could achieve up to 20% reduction in the life cycle energy emissions, (2) the modification of the building envelope and upgrading of the building service systems could suffice in providing optimum operational energy savings, if the electricity from the grid is sourced from renewable plants, and (3) the production of LEDs and other building services systems has the highest environmental impacts across a suite of LCA indicators.Originality/valueThe retrofitting of residential buildings in India will lead to better and improved opportunities to meet the commitments in the Paris Climate Change Agreement and will lead to enhanced savings for building owners.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45444194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Guest editorial: Social value of infrastructure projects: design, construction and global practices","authors":"H. Doloi, P. Raisbeck","doi":"10.1108/bepam-07-2023-204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-07-2023-204","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43612925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K. Seneviratne, S. Perera, B. Ginigaddara, X. Jin, Liyaning Tang, Robert Osei Kyei
{"title":"Good practices in COVID-19 risk reduction adopted by Australian construction enterprises","authors":"K. Seneviratne, S. Perera, B. Ginigaddara, X. Jin, Liyaning Tang, Robert Osei Kyei","doi":"10.1108/bepam-10-2022-0154","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-10-2022-0154","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis research investigated the impacts of COVID-19 on construction enterprises and good practices adopted by the enterprises in reducing COVID-19 risks. The Sendai Framework (TSF) is widely accepted as a strategic roadmap to reduce disaster risks throughout the life cycle of a disaster. As such, with the aim of enhancing the resilience of Australian construction enterprises, the identified good practices were mapped with TSF priorities to consolidate COVID-19 risk reduction practices that can be adopted by Australian construction enterprises.Design/methodology/approachCase study research approach was used, and three case studies were conducted with small, medium and large construction enterprises. Small, medium and large enterprises were selected based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics classification of the business size. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with three executive members from the three enterprises. Data were analysed using content analysis.FindingsThe study found that construction enterprises faced demand and supply side impacts. Infrastructure projects, funded by public sector clients and larger enterprises were least affected. Investments and demand for residential and other building projects were reduced by private sector clients, affecting small and medium enterprises. Findings also show that the construction enterprises adopted good practices in identifying, managing, investing on resilience and recovery that align with TSF priorities. All three enterprises agreed on some common good practices on risk identification, risk management and effective recovery. Different views were shared on investments related to disaster resilience.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to mitigate the COVID-19 impacts on construction enterprises and subsequent economic and social impacts.Originality/valueThis research found how Australian construction enterprises survived during COVID-19. The study adopted TSF to construction and COVID-19 context while consolidating COVID-19 risk reduction practices.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44978027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prospects, drivers of and barriers to artificial intelligence adoption in project management","authors":"G. Shang, S. Low, Xin Ying Valen Lim","doi":"10.1108/bepam-12-2022-0195","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-12-2022-0195","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and differing attitudes towards its adoption in the building and environment (B&E) industry has an impact upon whether companies can meet changing demand and remain relevant and competitive. The emergence of Industry 4.0 technologies, coupled with the repercussions of COVID-19, increases the urgency and opportunities offered that companies must react to, as disruptive technologies impact how project management (PM) professionals work and necessitate acquisition of new skills. This paper attempts to identify the drivers of and barriers to, as well as the general perception and receptiveness of local PM professionals towards, AI adoption in PM and thereby propose potential strategies and recommendations to drive AI adoption in PM.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs both quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine the findings gathered. A survey questionnaire was used as the primary method of gathering quantitative data from 60 local PM professionals. Statistical tests were performed to analyse the data. To substantiate and validate the findings, in-depth interviews with several experienced industry professionals were performed.FindingsIt is found that top drivers include support from top management and leadership, organisational readiness and the need for greater work productivity and efficiency. Top barriers were found to be the high cost of AI implementation and maintenance and the lack of top-down support and skilled employees trained in AI. These findings could be attributed to the present state of AI technologies being new and considerably underutilised in the industry. Hence, substantial top-down support with the right availability of resources and readiness, both in terms of cost and skilled employees, is paramount to kick-start AI implementation in PM.Originality/valueLittle research has been done on the use of AI in PM locally. AI's potential to improve the productivity and efficiency of PM processes in the B&E industry cannot be overlooked. An understanding of the drivers of, barriers to and attitudes towards AI adoption can facilitate more intentional and directed oversight of AI's strategic roll-out at both the governmental and corporate levels and thus mitigate potential challenges that may hinder the implementation process in the future.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45571263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. I. Nayyer, Mukkai R. Aravindan, T. R. Annamalai
{"title":"Impact of transparency law on the post-award development phase of Toll and Annuity PPPs","authors":"M. I. Nayyer, Mukkai R. Aravindan, T. R. Annamalai","doi":"10.1108/bepam-11-2022-0168","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-11-2022-0168","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeInvolvement of lenders for PPP highway projects in India starts after the bid award. The post-award development phase of Toll and Annuity PPPs differ significantly in terms of potential risk assumed by lenders. This study aims to assess the impact of the transparency law on the post-award development phase of Toll and Annuity PPPs.Design/methodology/approachA unique dataset of 469 PPP highway projects implemented in India was used to conduct this empirical study. An OLS regression model was developed to assess the impact of the transparency law on the post-award development phase.FindingsEnacting the transparency law increased the duration of the post-award development phase of Toll projects; however, its impact on Annuity projects was not significant. Moreover, Toll and Annuity projects with a longer post-award development phase had a shorter construction phase. The post-award development phase of the Toll projects was relatively more sensitive to technical, economic and location-specific variables than Annuity projects. Length of road stretch, duration of the concession period and individual income of end-users significantly impacted the duration of this phase of Toll projects.Practical implicationsTransparency law can improve risk mitigation of Toll projects during the post-award development phase.Originality/valueThe impact of transparency law on PPP projects has never been assessed. This study assesses its impact on the two forms of PPPs. It also highlights the determinants of this phase and how they differ for the two forms of PPPs.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42647270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}