Search Results (53)

In the context of green development and digital transformation, the technological innovation cooperation in megaprojects requires a spanning from policy guidance, technological breakthroughs, and localized pilot projects to driven demand, integrated innovation (i.e., collaborative innovation across sectors, stages, and stakeholders), and comprehensive promotion. Despite the potential benefits, many megaprojects face challenges related to complex relationships, behavioral uncertainties, low performance, and technological innovation risks. A question of practical and theoretical significance is how to facilitate technological innovation cooperation in megaprojects. This study proposes the 3C Theory, which integrates cooperative relationships, behaviors, and performance, and investigates how technological innovation risks moderate these interactions. Using data from 19 megaprojects, we employ a mixed-methods approach involving hypothesis testing through regression analysis. The findings reveal that strong cooperative relationships positively influence cooperative performance through cooperative behaviors and that technological innovation risks play a significant moderating role. This study offers several practical recommendations for megaproject managers, including enhancing cooperative relationships, promoting effective behaviors, managing innovation risks, and developing cooperative innovation platforms. This study introduces the 3C Theory to megaprojects and provides novel insights into how collaboration and risk management can drive sustainable innovation. Full article

This study investigated the intangible value transferred from urban megaprojects to surrounding residential property markets, focusing on Brisbane’s transformative urban regeneration projects currently in the development pipeline. The research objectives were twofold: first, to empirically investigate the dynamics of property markets influenced by urban megaprojects and second, to assess the impact of a specific case study on these markets through a longitudinal analysis of residential sales data. Drawing from environmental economics, the concept of willingness to pay (WTP) is used to quantify externalities associated with urban megaprojects. The research constructs a comprehensive dataset integrating geospatial and property-specific data. Through revealed preference methods, the intangible value transferred from mixed-use developments is identified and quantified via residential transaction prices. Utilising hedonic price modelling, this study systematically analysed residential transaction data to estimate implicit prices associated with spatial proximity to megaprojects. A comprehensive dataset integrating property-specific attributes, geospatial proximity measures, and temporal dynamics of project development phases underpins this analysis. This research and its findings advance the existing literature in several important dimensions. That is, this research represents the first microeconomic assessment of the property market’s impacts resulting from mixed-use megaprojects in Brisbane, offering novel empirical insights for both academic and practical applications, how urban megaprojects shape residential property values, and informing stakeholders involved in urban planning, policymaking, and real estate investment decisions. Practitioners and policymakers can leverage these insights to inform policy frameworks and strategic decisions. At the governmental level, the results offer applicable insights for urban revitalisation strategies, particularly relevant to central business districts undergoing similar developments. Private sector stakeholders can utilise these outcomes to anticipate market adjustments, managing supply and demand fluctuations more effectively. Full article

To implement the “Green Transition” in civil engineering, this study provides a new critical perspective analyzing the sustainability measures adopted by two European megaprojects. Government regulations and legislation, reward mechanism, technological innovations, the carbon evaluation system as well as tracking and monitoring systems are further discussed in this research to manage megaprojects in a more sustainable way. Document reviews, field trips (both exhibition area and construction sites), and in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders were conducted regarding two European megaprojects, namely the A16 Ring Road in the Netherlands and Fehmarnbelt Tunnel in Denmark, when it comes to sustainability transitions. Notwithstanding the regional limitations of the selected case studies, the results illustrate that the implemented policies and regulations promote the sustainability transitions in projects and lead to environmental and societal benefits. Among the others, the requirement to quantify the carbon emissions is a central step during the tendering and execution phases of the megaprojects. Future studies need to comprehensively address the challenges related to project management and sustainable transitions as well as delve into other possible practices implemented locally in different locations. Local policies and regulations, innovation in technology and materials as well as the quantification of environmental impacts are key aspects to accelerate such change towards carbon neutrality. Full article

The construction industry continues to generate vast volumes of waste, which harm the environment and negatively impact socio-economic sustainability, especially in a developing country like Saudi Arabia. Prior to investigating effective approaches for managing waste, we must identify the main drivers of construction waste. This paper develops metrics and criteria for identifying and ranking the waste cause factors (WCFs) in the construction of mega-projects in Saudi Arabia. The methodology adopted includes a thorough literature review and a survey ranking waste factors based on a five-point Likert-scale. Data collected from 239 participants across three distinct construction mega-projects were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with its corresponding post hoc tests, and the identified waste factors were ranked according to their relative importance index (RII). The findings of this study indicate that the main sources of waste in Saudi Arabia involve design changes and complexity, poor project coordination, inefficient waste management systems, lack of supervision, drawing errors, low skill levels among workers and designers, and procurement mistakes. The results and discussions derived from the investigation aim to deepen the understanding of the causes of waste in large-scale construction, which could inform researchers, policymakers, and professionals, whose joint contributions should enable effective waste management strategies in large construction projects. Full article

Coordination and employee motivation play vital roles in a mega-project’s sustainable performance, particularly in the construction industry. With increasing demands from stakeholders and employees in the construction sector, sustainable performance has emerged as a priority. However, the importance of quality relationships and quality management systems is often overlooked. This research addresses this gap by establishing a predictive model for sustainable performance. Data from 261 respondents in Pakistan’s construction industry were collected, and hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results indicate that coordination and employee motivation exert a positive impact on sustainable performance. Furthermore, quality relationships partially mediate the relationship between coordination and sustainable performance and between employee motivation and sustainable performance. Additionally, quality management systems significantly moderate the relationship between coordination and sustainable performance, whereas the relationship between employee motivation and sustainable performance is insignificant. This study provides valuable insights for project coordinators, project managers, and policymakers on enhancing the stability of construction projects in emerging economies through quality relationships and quality management systems. Full article

Megaprojects are complex systems comprising interdependent subsystems and diverse stakeholders, each contributing to the project’s resilience and long-term outcomes. Traditional methods for assigning stakeholder influence often assume that stakeholders operate independently when evaluating subsystem resilience. However, these approaches overlook the intricate dynamics—such as competition and collaboration—that frequently characterize stakeholder interactions in megaprojects. This study addresses this gap by introducing a novel framework based on game theory and network analysis to assess megaproject resilience. The model incorporates both stakeholder interactions and subsystem interdependencies, using a networked game approach to dynamically allocate stakeholder weights. These weights reflect cooperative and conflicting relationships among stakeholders. The framework optimizes a stakeholder’s utility function by balancing marginal benefits, costs, and interaction effects, ensuring rational and adaptive weight distribution. The resulting solution represents a unique Nash equilibrium, identified as the optimal configuration for stakeholder influence. To validate the framework, the study applies it to the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Railway (JBHSR) megaproject, demonstrating its capacity to integrate theoretical rigor with practical application. Through mathematical proofs and simulations, the research explores how model parameters influence two critical solution properties: order consistency and stability. Comparative analysis with established methods, such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and simple averaging, highlights the proposed model’s superior ability to capture stakeholder dynamics and adapt to the evolving nature of megaprojects throughout their lifecycle. The findings emphasize the model’s utility in delivering more nuanced resilience evaluations by accounting for stakeholder roles, relationships, and contributions. Specifically, this framework advances theory by merging network analysis with game theory to capture dynamic stakeholder influences, while offering practitioners a real-time mechanism to manage and optimize stakeholder interactions for improved resilience across the entire megaproject lifecycle. Its adaptability to full lifecycle assessments makes it a robust and scalable tool for managing resilience in large-scale infrastructure projects, offering valuable insights for both practitioners and researchers. Full article

Effective management to conserve marine environments requires up-to-date information on the location, distribution, and extent of major benthic habitats. Remote sensing is a key tool for such assessments, enabling consistent, repeated measurements over large areas. There is particular interest in using freely available satellite images such as from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 series for accessible repeat assessments. In this study, an area of 438 km² of the northern Red Sea coastline, adjacent to the NEOM development was mapped using Sentinel-2 imagery. A hierarchical Random Forest classification method was used, where the initial level classified pixels into a geomorphological class, followed by a second level of benthic cover classification. Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) surveys were carried out in 12 locations in the NEOM area to collect field data on benthic cover for training and validation. The overall accuracy of the geomorphic and benthic classifications was 84.15% and 72.97%, respectively. Approximately 12% (26.26 km²) of the shallow Red Sea study area was classified as coral or dense algae and 16% (36.12 km²) was classified as rubble. These reef environments offer crucial ecosystem services and are believed to be internationally important as a global warming refugium. Seagrass meadows, covering an estimated 29.17 km² of the study area, play a regionally significant role in carbon sequestration and are estimated to store 200 tonnes of carbon annually, emphasising the importance of their conservation for meeting the environmental goals of the NEOM megaproject. This is the first map of this region generated using Sentinel-2 data and demonstrates the feasibility of using an open source and reproducible methodology for monitoring coastal habitats in the region. The use of training data derived from UAV imagery provides a low-cost and time-efficient alternative to traditional methods of boat or snorkel surveys for covering large areas in remote sites. Full article

While extensive research has delved into the impact of management strategies on project outcomes, the specific influence of alliance management on infrastructure megaprojects remains less explored. This study delves into the relationship between alliance management capability and performance in the context of infrastructure megaprojects. Central to our investigation is the hypothesis that collaborative conflict management mediates this relationship, with leader–member exchange playing a moderating role. Based on 205 surveys collected from 13 megaprojects in China, regression analysis and bootstrapping methods were used to test the research hypotheses. The findings reveal a positive correlation between alliance management capability and infrastructure megaproject performance, mediated by collaborative conflict management. Significantly, leader–member exchange acts as a moderator in the alliance management capability–collaborative conflict management nexus. These insights underscore the pivotal role of alliance management capability in elevating project performance, meriting increased attention in future empirical research. By shedding light on the mediating and moderating mechanisms at play, this paper unravels the complexities of how alliance management capability impacts project performance, offering practical guidance for industry practitioners. Full article

Megaproject construction endeavors and technological innovation activities, led by industry–university–research (IUR) collaboration, demonstrate marked disparities in value orientations, implementing entities, and constituent components. These discrepancies lead to a mismatch between innovation demands and actual activities, as well as insufficient innovation motivation among construction entities, subsequently impacting innovation effectiveness and the commercialization of outcomes and failing to adequately support engineering construction needs. In response to this predicament, the academic community widely acknowledges IUR collaborative innovation as a solution. This research integrates fundamental theoretical analysis with a multi-case study approach and systematically dissects the distinctive features at the micro, meso, and macro levels, grounded in the collaborative innovation practices of IUR in three iconic railway engineering projects in China. Subsequently, it unravels the inherent operational mechanics of the IUR collaborative innovation system within large-scale projects. Specifically, at the micro level, the profound engagement of governments and project owners fosters a solid supportive environment and collaborative platform for IUR collaboration, while past successful cooperation experiences among key innovation entities enhance their technological and knowledge interactions. At the meso level, shared industry cognitions and values, hierarchical organizational structures, flexible institutional designs, and resource allocation strategies based on balancing risks and benefits collectively constitute the supporting system for megaproject collaborative innovation. At the macro level, the tight integration of the innovation chain and industrial chain promotes the formation of an open cooperation ecosystem, ensuring the continuity and systematic nature of innovation activities and accelerating the rapid commercialization and efficient utilization of innovation outcomes. This study not only enriches the theoretical connotations of IUR collaborative innovation in the context of major engineering projects but also provides theoretical foundations for strategy formulation and management practices for major project managers, holding significant value in guiding the innovation management of future major engineering projects. Full article

Delays and disruptions (D&D) are considered chronic peculiarities of the construction phase of the built environment, especially in megaprojects. Systematic monitoring of claimable D&D causes becomes crucial for the contractors to compensate for their losses caused by delays and disruptions, enabling sustainable use of resources. Thus, this study proposed a delay and disruption (D&D) cause monitoring framework that enables contractors to timely and accurately detect claimable delays and disruption causes/events in megaprojects. At the outset, a systematic literature review was conducted to design an initial version of the framework and extract claimable D&D. Then, focus group discussion (FGD) sessions were conducted to revise and refine the initial version of the framework and a list of claimable D&D causes. Next, a fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis was conducted to determine the relative importance of each claimable D&D cause in terms of its impact on the megaprojects. Finally, a consistency analysis was conducted to demonstrate the reliability of the dataset. Findings revealed that claimable D&D causes are indispensable parts of the claim management process. In this manner, the proposed framework recommends monitoring the claimable D&D causes regularly during the whole construction phase of the megaprojects. The fuzzy AHP analysis also revealed that causes such as “Suspension of project activities by the owner”, “Errors and clashes in the design”, “Shortage of construction materials in the market”, “Discovery of fossils and historical artifacts”, “Unavailability of the commissioning team on the due date”, and “Late delivery of testing materials and utilities by the owner” were particularly rated as highly critical causes, needing urgent and sophisticated monitoring plan for timely detection and data collection. By introducing a proactive approach to avoid lengthy and costly dispute resolution processes, this study enables decision-makers to enhance sustainability in the built environment. Full article

Compared with traditional closed innovation, open innovation brings more new ideas, technologies, and resources to megaprojects, which is becoming increasingly important in the face of growing complexity and sustainability. Drawing on the application of sense-making theory in organizational change, this study conducts an empirical case study to explore how open innovation is carried out in megaprojects, as well as how to explain the processes at the micro level. The Changchun Metropolitan Circle Ring Expressway phase II project was selected as the analytical case and grounded coding technology was adopted to analyze the realization process of open innovation. The results revealed that managers as organizers first completed their own sense making and then influenced others’ sense making via sense giving to unify understanding and complete innovation mode transformation. Moreover, managers need to adjust sense making for themselves and sense giving for others according to interactive feedback. This study illustrated that open innovation strategies need to enact some new relevant routines in order for a cognitive reorientation to take place. A multi-level and multi-dimensional micro-mechanism and process was proposed to guide open innovation behavior in megaprojects. Full article

Designing sustainable underground metro lines in dense urban environments is a highly challenging task that requires the collaboration of numerous stakeholders and consultants to make crucial decisions influenced by several factors. While it is impossible to address every issue influencing the decision-making process, identifying key factors and their interdependencies is essential for optimal design. This study focuses on six critical aspects of the reference design of metro systems: (1) track alignment, (2) tunneling strategy, (3) station typology, (4) operations and maintenance, (5) procurement strategy, and (6) environmental aspects. Amongst these aspects, we identify track alignment as the primary driving factor that influences the other factors. We analyze the decision between shallow and deep alignments as an engineering choice that necessitates balancing conflicting factors and constraints. Our contribution lies in mapping these factors and their dependencies, thus offering policymakers, project managers, and designers a framework to navigate the design process. Our discussion also provides guidance to public agencies in tendering for design teams more efficiently. Drawing from lessons learned by experienced design managers, this study aims to fill the gap in the literature by offering a generalist perspective on metro design. Full article

One of the main Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in project management for built environment or physical infrastructure projects is “How will this project scope be delivered on time and under budget, addressing health and safety in a sustainable way?” This article presents a parallel point of view summarised in a competing question: “Have you followed a systems engineering methodology to detail interfaces and integrations in the business case?” Megaprojects face multiple risks that incur project delays and cost overruns; hence, this article proposes a simple but nevertheless innovative model that incorporates a systems engineering framework at the start of the built environment or physical infrastructure project: the business case phase. This proposed approach seeks to derisk megaprojects composed of complex systems of systems (SoSs) in their earliest stage when financial decisions based on cost estimations have to be made. The scope of this article covers built environment and physical infrastructure projects and their associated ICT, digital, and technology programmes, rather than purely IT developments. The inconvenient truth is this additional systems engineering task embedded in the business case comes at a further project CAPEX cost that decision makers or stakeholders should be willing to accept as it provides a wider technical vision of the project and better quantifies the Return on Investment (ROI). Full article

Facility Management (FM) has increasingly focused on integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) with the Internet of Things (IoT), known as digital twins, in large-scale development projects. Effective BIM integration in FM requires improved cooperation among participants across various project stages. This digital revolution aims to enhance planning, construction, and asset management efficiency, benefiting all parties. However, BIM utilization in FM is limited by incomplete owner understanding, insufficient data accessibility, and stakeholders’ unfamiliarity with BIM procedures and standards. Despite recognizing BIM’s significance, the FM industry faces significant implementation challenges. Facility managers often lack a comprehensive understanding of BIM’s benefits in streamlining operations and enhancing cost efficiency, as well as the necessary skills for its use. Addressing these barriers requires developing an Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR) document at a project’s outset, providing a strategic plan and vision for all involved parties. BIM and IoT are pivotal technologies for transitioning to efficient building operations and crucial for reducing time, costs, and operational challenges throughout any project. This research aims to establish a digital trio workflow, integrating BIM, EIR, and IoT to maximize stakeholder benefits. It explores how preparing the EIR through stakeholder communication can improve design processes, sustainability, efficiency, cost, and time, especially for megaprojects. Full article

Megaproject Social Responsibility (MSR) is widely acknowledged as contributing to project performance. However, the effect of Megaproject Social Responsibility Behavior (MSRB) implemented by organizations participating in construction on project performance remains a subject of considerable debate, and the intrinsic mechanism of MSRB’s effect on the performance of megaprojects has not been elucidated. Therefore, this study employs resource-based theory to investigate the mechanism underlying MSRB’s effect on project performance, taking into account both internal and external social capital as well as resource integration capacity as pivotal influences. Drawing on sample data from 206 experienced project managers across the various parties involved, this study develops a Bayesian network model to elucidate the MSRB effect mechanism. Through inference and sensitivity analysis, this study discovers variations in the enhancement effects across the four dimensions of MSRB on project performance. Notably, a combination strategy yields superior enhancement effects. Furthermore, when project performance is suboptimal, resource integration capacity emerges as a significant mediator between MSRB and project performance. Conversely, at high levels of project performance, MSRB directly contributes to enhancing project outcomes. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for the governance of MSR and the enhancement of project performance in megaprojects. Full article