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Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Risk in Prefabricated Building Construction under EPC Contracting Using Structural Equation Modeling: A Case Study of Shaanxi Province, China

by

Ping Cao

and

Xiatong Lei

Buildings 2023, 13(6), 1465; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061465 - 04 Jun 2023

Viewed by 470

Abstract

Prefabricated buildings have the advantages of high efficiency and saving resources. However, China’s prefabricated buildings were built relatively late, and there are problems in terms of their low standardization, integration, and industrialization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of [...] Read more.

Prefabricated buildings have the advantages of high efficiency and saving resources. However, China’s prefabricated buildings were built relatively late, and there are problems in terms of their low standardization, integration, and industrialization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of constructing prefabricated buildings under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) general contracting mode from the perspective of general contractors and to propose countermeasures for the key risks. Firstly, a risk evaluation index system was established via a literature analysis, and a questionnaire survey was used to collect the data. SPSS was used to conduct the data factor analysis to finally identify 4 first-level indicators and 14 second-level indicators. Then, a structural equation model (SEM) was developed to further evaluate the impact of each indicator on the risk of constructing prefabricated buildings under the EPC general contracting mode. The results showed that the construction and design risk had the greatest impact. Among them, the technical level of the construction personnel while conducting the hoisting, stacking, and protection of on-site materials and the lack of integrated design experience among the designers were the key points for risk control. On the one hand, this study explored the whole life cycle of a project, which makes up for the lack of risk analyses and the control being limited to a single engineering stage that has been presented in previous studies. On the other hand, in terms of the design, procurement, and construction as a whole research object, we found that the fuzzy evaluation method and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) used in previous risk analyses and evaluation methods have defects. They cannot verify the rationality of the logical relationship between the evaluation indices. In contrast, this study used the SEM method to fill this research gap. This ensures the scientific nature of our research to the greatest extent. Additionally, we also found some problems with this type of research: the selection of the evaluation indicators and data collection vary with the region, project characteristics, project contracting mode, and risk management subject, which influence the results of studies. Overall, the SEM method established in this study provides a reference and can help us conduct similar research and model evaluations in other regions. This method can guide project implementers to make the best risk-management decisions, so it is of great significance for practitioners in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Stability and Accuracy of Deterministic Project Cost Prediction Methods in Earned Value Management

by

Alexis Barrientos-Orellana

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Pablo Ballesteros-Pérez

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Daniel Mora-Melià

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Alberto Cerezo-Narváez

and

Jimmy H. Gutiérrez-Bahamondes

Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1206; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051206 - 02 May 2023

Viewed by 736

Abstract

Completing a project on time and on budget are essential factors for the success of any project. One technique that allows predicting the final cost of a project is earned value management (EVM). In this technique, different mathematical methods for predicting the final [...] Read more.

Completing a project on time and on budget are essential factors for the success of any project. One technique that allows predicting the final cost of a project is earned value management (EVM). In this technique, different mathematical methods for predicting the final project cost have been proposed over the last 30 years. These formulas make use of activities’ actual costs and durations as the project progresses. EVM is a technique widely used by many project management professionals. However, very few studies have compared the stability and accuracy of the multiple existing methods for predicting the final cost of the project (commonly abbreviated as estimated cost at completion, EAC). This study compares the stability and accuracy of 30 deterministic cost prediction methods (EAC) in EVM. For this purpose, a representative database of 4100 simulated projects of various topological structures is used. Our results suggest that the methods with the simplest mathematical configurations achieve better stability and accuracy performance. Knowing which EVM methods are the most stable and accurate for predicting the final cost of the project will help project practitioners choose the most reliable cost prediction techniques when they are managing their own projects in real contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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Open AccessArticle

An Exploratory Study on the Impact of Cross-Organizational Control and Knowledge Sharing on Project Performance

by

Kejian Shang

,

Yunyun Cao

and

Jie Wu

Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051113 - 22 Apr 2023

Viewed by 411

Abstract

In order to study how cross-organizational control and knowledge sharing affect project performance during a whole process engineering consulting project, this paper constructs a theoretical model of cross-organizational control, knowledge sharing, and project performance and uses a structural equation model (SEM) to conduct [...] Read more.

In order to study how cross-organizational control and knowledge sharing affect project performance during a whole process engineering consulting project, this paper constructs a theoretical model of cross-organizational control, knowledge sharing, and project performance and uses a structural equation model (SEM) to conduct an empirical analysis of questionnaire data. The results showed that trust can promote two types of project performance, while contractual control stimulates basic performance but does not significantly impact value-added project performance. The mediation results showed that tacit knowledge plays an intermediary role between trust and two types of project performance, while explicit knowledge plays an intermediary role between contractual control and basic project performance. The results of this paper will further enrich the application of knowledge sharing in the field of project management, open the “black box” of project performance in whole process engineering consulting, and provide owners with guidance to achieve value-added project performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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Open AccessArticle

Study on the Driving Path of Contractors’ Low-Carbon Behavior under Institutional Logic and Technological Logic

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Buildings 2023, 13(4), 989; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040989 - 08 Apr 2023

Viewed by 594

Abstract

Based on the analytical framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this paper decomposed the driving factors under institutional logic and technological logic, and empirically tested the driving path of the low-carbon behavior (LCB) of contractors from the perspective of corporate cognition. [...] Read more.

Based on the analytical framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this paper decomposed the driving factors under institutional logic and technological logic, and empirically tested the driving path of the low-carbon behavior (LCB) of contractors from the perspective of corporate cognition. Moreover, this study further explored the differences in driving factors under different logic orientations and the formation mechanism of decoupling of heterogeneous LCB. The findings of this paper are as follows. Firstly, institutional logic and technological logic jointly drive the LCB of contractors. Perceived behavior control is not a sufficient condition. Secondly, institutional logic is more effective than technological logic in terms of the direction and coefficient of the driving path. Thirdly, institutional pressure does not directly lead to the decoupling of LCB of contractors but is mediated by intrinsic motivation. These findings provide support and help to the decision makers to cultivate and improve the level of contractors’ LCB in China and many other such countries that are similarly involved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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Open AccessArticle

Research on Buffer Calculation Model of Critical Chain Based on Adjacency Information Entropy

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Buildings 2023, 13(4), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040942 - 02 Apr 2023

Viewed by 427

Abstract

In project network planning, the correlation complexity of the processes is not only related to the immediately preceding and following processes, but also closely related to indirect adjacent processes. In the existing relevant studies, many scholars have considered the influence of direct adjacent [...] Read more.

In project network planning, the correlation complexity of the processes is not only related to the immediately preceding and following processes, but also closely related to indirect adjacent processes. In the existing relevant studies, many scholars have considered the influence of direct adjacent processes but ignored the influence of indirect adjacent processes. In addition, the three-point time estimation method and Monte Carlo simulation are mostly used in the current research for the estimation of process duration, while less research exists on the estimation of process optimal duration under multi-objective constraints. Therefore, this paper proposes a buffer calculation model of critical chain based on adjacency information entropy. This methodology provides comprehensive consideration of the relationship between cost, quality, safety, environment and process duration, the influence of process’s resource demand intensity, resource constraints and process duration on the buffer size, the influence of the relay potential of mutual cooperation and cross construction between processes, as well as the influence of adjacent complexity of processes on the project construction schedule. The calculation example analysis shows that this method can improve the accuracy of the calculation of process safety time, reduce the influence of the complexity of process adjacency correlation on the project construction schedule, reasonably control the buffer size, and effectively shorten the planned project duration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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Open AccessArticle

Evolutionary Game Analysis for Key Participants’ Behavior in Digital Transformation of the Chinese Construction Industry

by

Chaoyong Zhang

,

Lelin Lv

and

Zhuofu Wang

Buildings 2023, 13(4), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040922 - 31 Mar 2023

Viewed by 505

Abstract

The transformation and upgrading of the construction industry has made obvious progress in China. However, the low degree of digitalization is still prominent. The digital transformation decision-making behavior of key participants in the construction industry is easily affected by economic interests, meaning that [...] Read more.

The transformation and upgrading of the construction industry has made obvious progress in China. However, the low degree of digitalization is still prominent. The digital transformation decision-making behavior of key participants in the construction industry is easily affected by economic interests, meaning that the implementation of digital transformation is a dynamic evolution process of repeated adjustment and continuous learning. Therefore, this study constructed a tripartite evolutionary game model of the government, service providers, and construction enterprises, and analyzed the strategy selection of each game player and the stability of the system equilibrium point. Moreover, the validity of the model and the influence of various factors on the system were verified and analyzed by numerical simulation. The results showed the following: (1) The government’s tax refund ratio and subsidy coefficient can significantly increase the motivation of construction enterprises and digital construction service providers within a certain threshold. (2) Whether enterprises carry out a comprehensive digital transformation depends on the revenue of the system solution strategy; the greater the revenue, the more positive the enterprises. (3) The adoption of high rewards and high penalties by the superior government can effectively encourage the local government to actively promote digital transformation. The contribution of this study lies in providing a theoretical basis and decision support for promoting the digital transformation of construction enterprises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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Open AccessArticle

Fostering Knowledge Collaboration in Construction Projects: The Role of BIM Application

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Buildings 2023, 13(3), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030812 - 20 Mar 2023

Viewed by 744

Abstract

Knowledge collaboration is beneficial for project parties to assess valuable knowledge resources from others in order to enhance their competitive advantages. However, knowledge collaboration is hampered by the special project environment and temporary structure of construction projects. Based on relational contract theory, this [...] Read more.

Knowledge collaboration is beneficial for project parties to assess valuable knowledge resources from others in order to enhance their competitive advantages. However, knowledge collaboration is hampered by the special project environment and temporary structure of construction projects. Based on relational contract theory, this study employs trust and relational norms as the two relational governance mechanisms for improving knowledge collaboration. Next, this study explores the effect of relational governance mechanisms on knowledge collaboration and the moderating role of the building information modelling (BIM) application level. We collected data from 166 responses in construction projects. Our results reveal that relational norms significantly impact knowledge collaboration, which is contrary to the effect of trust. Furthermore, the BIM application level has an interactive effect with relational norms, which improves knowledge collaboration. These findings reveal that the level of BIM application significantly affects the effectiveness of relational governance mechanisms. This study suggests that project managers should help project parties to develop BIM responsibilities in order to facilitate collaborative performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Applicability of the PPP in Tourist Toilets: Reflections on the Laoshan Case in China

by

Juncheng Dai

,

Shiyuan Jiang

and

Zhe Cheng

Buildings 2023, 13(3), 790; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030790 - 17 Mar 2023

Viewed by 474

Abstract

Although public–private partnerships (PPPs) for tourism have received extensive attention, there has been limited research on their application to tourist toilets. The purpose of this study was to systematically explore the applicability of PPPs with respect to the construction and operation of tourist [...] Read more.

Although public–private partnerships (PPPs) for tourism have received extensive attention, there has been limited research on their application to tourist toilets. The purpose of this study was to systematically explore the applicability of PPPs with respect to the construction and operation of tourist toilets. The study conducted field investigations and semi-structured interviews in the Qingdao Laoshan Scenic Area (LSA), where purposive sampling techniques were used to manage participant selection and expand sample sizes. It finds that first, the use of PPPs to build tourist toilets is new and has shown both development potential and challenges. Second, the use of PPPs to provide tourist toilets is not yet mature owing to management and supply inefficiencies. Third, the DBTO model in the Laoshan case offers a significant methodological value for similar PPP projects, which could be replicated and promoted more widely when certain conditions are met. This study has filled a research gap in the global toilet revolution and shows a different path from the investment guarantee system in developed Western countries and the Guilin model in China. This application of a PPP in provision of tourist toilets also broadens the knowledge base of researchers studying PPPs in the field of tourism and could lead to the development of a policy approach with respect to PPPs’ application in the toilet revolution and regional tourism development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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Open AccessArticle

Towards a Model That Sees Human Resources as a Key Element for Competitiveness in Construction Management

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Buildings 2023, 13(3), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030774 - 15 Mar 2023

Viewed by 648

Abstract

The construction industry is continuously affected by external and internal agents that modify and define its competitiveness. Changing markets, currency fluctuations, and tremendous competition have made the issue of competitiveness increasingly important. The literature highlights factors that determine the competitiveness of construction firms, [...] Read more.

The construction industry is continuously affected by external and internal agents that modify and define its competitiveness. Changing markets, currency fluctuations, and tremendous competition have made the issue of competitiveness increasingly important. The literature highlights factors that determine the competitiveness of construction firms, including easy-to-measure elements, such as financial, sales, return on investment, etc., while other elements are not as easily measurable, such as customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, loyalty, and leadership, among many others. Within these factors, Human Resources (HR) has occupied a central place in the last decade, due to the enormous impact that labor has on project execution. This research mainly focuses on the study of HR and its components to reach a deeper understanding of the impact that HR has on the competitiveness of construction companies. After defining the most relevant variables, an interrelationships model was proposed with the Partial Least Square (PLS) technique. These HR variables impact the competitiveness variables: cost, utility, time, quality, Staff retention, and Health & Safety. The PSL analyses met the evaluation criteria using the structural model, confirming its viability. It was found that there are three important variables related to competitiveness: (i) leadership, (ii) innovation, and (iii) competitiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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Open AccessArticle

How Does Contractual Flexibility Affect a Contractor’s Opportunistic Behavior? Roles of Justice Perception and Communication Quality

by

Lianying Zhang

and

Guannan Xi

Buildings 2023, 13(3), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030615 - 26 Feb 2023

Viewed by 510

Abstract

Owing to the natural complexity and uncertainty of construction projects, more and more contracts tend to add flexibility to be able to deal with emergencies, thus promoting the smooth implementation of projects. Contractual flexibility has a certain impact on contractors’ opportunistic behavior, but [...] Read more.

Owing to the natural complexity and uncertainty of construction projects, more and more contracts tend to add flexibility to be able to deal with emergencies, thus promoting the smooth implementation of projects. Contractual flexibility has a certain impact on contractors’ opportunistic behavior, but because of the lack of relevant empirical studies, its influencing mechanism and conclusions have been controversial. The purpose of this paper is to reveal whether and how contractual flexibility restrains a contractor’s opportunistic behavior. In this paper, data are collected from 290 responses to an opinion questionnaire survey and are analyzed with partial-least-squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that contractual flexibility can restrain a contractor’s opportunistic behavior, and the relationships are mediated by a contractor’s interorganizational justice perceptions. Meanwhile, the communication quality can strengthen the effect of contractual flexibility on interorganizational justice perceptions and opportunistic behavior. The research conclusions of this paper not only deepen scholars’ understanding of contractual flexibility in the field of construction projects but also provide a solid theoretical basis for future in-depth research. The conclusions also provide some practical suggestions for managers of construction projects, emphasizing the important role of contractual flexibility, interorganizational justice perception, and communication quality in restraining contractors’ opportunistic behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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Open AccessArticle

Performance Evaluation of Urban Water Environment Treatment PPP Projects Based on Cloud Model and OWA Operator

by

Hongbo Jiao

,

Yongchao Cao

and

Huimin Li

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020417 - 02 Feb 2023

Viewed by 816

Abstract

The public-private partnership (PPP) model has become one of the marketization models for water environment treatment projects. Evaluating the performance of these projects is vital for their long-term success. Performance evaluations can inform the government when allocating expenditures for the operation and maintenance [...] Read more.

The public-private partnership (PPP) model has become one of the marketization models for water environment treatment projects. Evaluating the performance of these projects is vital for their long-term success. Performance evaluations can inform the government when allocating expenditures for the operation and maintenance of services and can guide the private sector’s operation and maintenance management of projects. By attending to the specific characteristics of urban water environment treatment PPP projects (UWETP-PPP), this study developed a performance evaluation system and corresponding performance evaluation model comprised of eight first-level indicators and fifty second-level indicators. This model was used to evaluate a water environment treatment and ecological restoration project located in Xuchang, China. The results generated by the performance evaluation model indicated that this project was satisfactory and used the PPP model with a very high level of success, which accurately reflected real-world assessments of the project and verified the effectiveness of the model. This research provides guidance for the government in designing a performance evaluation mechanism that implements the specific characteristics of PPP projects. It also provides practical value for the operation management and performance improvement of PPP projects in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

Megaproject Governance Research in China: A Review and Visual Analysis from the Whole Life Cycle Perspective

by

Jiyong Ding

,

Guiyu Zhang

and

Meng Sun

Buildings 2023, 13(6), 1443; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061443 - 31 May 2023

Viewed by 346

Abstract

At present, the number of megaprojects in China is rapidly increasing, with multiple projects ranked as the world’s highest. To showcase the theoretical and practical achievements of China’s megaprojects to the world, a visual analysis was carried out using CiteSpace software based on [...] Read more.

At present, the number of megaprojects in China is rapidly increasing, with multiple projects ranked as the world’s highest. To showcase the theoretical and practical achievements of China’s megaprojects to the world, a visual analysis was carried out using CiteSpace software based on data from 520 pieces of core literature related to megaproject governance in the CNKI database from 2001 to 2023. Our findings indicate that: the number of publications has significantly increased since 2016, with a core group of researchers significantly contributing to this field, while team collaboration needs to be strengthened; the research hotspots include social stability risks, transaction governance, and innovation in megaprojects; the research can be divided into three stages, starting with early macro-studies, gradually forming clear and hierarchical research branches, and beginning to develop in the direction of Chinese characteristics and innovative deepening in recent years; research on the megaproject governance system is becoming gradually more enriched, but there is a lack of research at the levels of top-level governance and operational governance. Finally, in order to advance the study of megaproject governance in China, future research directions are suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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Open AccessReview

Sustainability and Digital Transformation within the Project Management Area: A Science Mapping Approach

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Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1355; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051355 - 22 May 2023

Viewed by 443

Abstract

Although many studies have focused on digital transformation and sustainability within the realm of project management, there has been a lack of research that comprehensively reviews the current state of the art of the aforementioned subject using a holistic approach. This oversight hampers [...] Read more.

Although many studies have focused on digital transformation and sustainability within the realm of project management, there has been a lack of research that comprehensively reviews the current state of the art of the aforementioned subject using a holistic approach. This oversight hampers the amalgamation of DT and sustainability in project management, waning the steps to be taken for the realisation of a smart and sustainable built environment. To fill the identified knowledge gap, this study presents a science mapping approach to meticulously examine the literature published on DT and sustainability within the realm of project management. In doing so, a bibliometric review together with a comprehensive Scientometric mapping analysis was carried out on the literature published from 2011 to 2022. The findings obtained in this study provide insightful accounts for both project managers and academics. Project managers are not only enlightened on revamping their business models but are also given insights into utilising digital strategies for bringing the maximum level of sustainability into their projects. Meanwhile, researchers are given insight into the emerging trends, timelines, and emerging streams that will be explored in future endeavours. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Management in Construction)

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