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PurposeRelationship management evolves with dynamic and complex environments of megaprojects. However, studies on the longitudinal measurement of relationship management performance for each stakeholder in dynamic and complex project environments are lacking. The purpose of this research is to propose an NK-network evolution model to evaluate stakeholder performance on relationship management in the development of megaprojects.Design/methodology/approachThe model input includes the stakeholder-associated issues and stakeholders' relational strategies, the co-effects of which determine the internal effects of relationship management in megaprojects. The model processing simulates the stakeholder performance of relationship management under the dynamic and complex nature of megaprojects. The NK model shows the dynamic stakeholder interactions on relationship management, whereas the network model presents the complex stakeholder structures of the relationships between stakeholders and relevant issues. The model output is the evolution graph to reveal the weak stakeholder performance on relationship management in the timeline of the project duration.FindingsThe research finding reveals that all stakeholders experience the plunge of stakeholder performance of relationship management at the decision-making moment of the planning stage. Construction, environmental and pressure groups may experience the hardship of relationship management at the start of the construction stage. The government is likely to suffer difficulties in relationship management in the late construction stage. Local industry groups would face challenges in relationship management in the middle of the construction stage and handover stage.Originality/valueThe research provides a useful approach to measuring weak moments of relationship management for each stakeholder in various project phases, considering the dynamic and complex environments of megaprojects. The proposed model extends the current knowledge body on how to make project stakeholder analysis by modelling dynamic and complex environments of megaprojects, with bridging the knowledge domains of evolution modeling techniques and network methods.

Circular construction practices and business models are considered essential to reduce the profound impact of the construction sector to the widening global circularity gap. However, practitioners and clients in Hong Kong have encountered profound challenges in integrating circular economy principles into modular construction projects. Therefore, this paper investigates the critical success factors for implementing circular modular construction projects. The research process comprised a focused literature review, consultation with subject matter experts, questionnaire survey of industry practitioners, mean score ranking, factor analysis, and fuzzy synthetic evaluation. The analyses revealed twenty-one significant success factors for integrating circular economy principles into modular construction projects in Hong Kong. The top five significant success factors include early design completion and freezing, early understanding and commitment of the client, effective leadership and support of a specialist contractor, adequate knowledge and experience of the project team, and collaborative working and information sharing among project teams. These underscored the significance of the planning and design stages for implementing circular modular construction projects successfully. Further analysis derived three clusters of the significant success factors: effective supply chain management, competence and early commitment, and collaboration and information management, explaining 61.461% of the total variance. A fuzzy synthetic evaluation showed that these three clusters significantly influence the success of circular modular construction projects. The paper provided practical and technical guidance on how to implement circular modular construction projects effectively. Therefore, this paper provides some important insights into the critical success factors for integrating circular economy objectives into circular modular construction projects.

PurposeModular integrated construction (MiC) projects are co-created by a network of organizations and players providing different roles, information and activities throughout the supply chains. Hence, a successful delivery of MiC projects can hardly be decoupled from effective supply chain management (SCM). This study investigated the critical success determinants of effective SCM in MiC projects.Design/methodology/approachComprehensive literature research and expert review identified 20 candidate success determinants, which formed the basis for a structured questionnaire survey of experts in eighteen countries. The study computed the mean scores, normalized mean values and significance indices of success determinants for SCM in MiC projects.FindingsThe analysis revealed that design for SCM, effective communication and information sharing, organizational readiness and familiarity with MiC, seamless integration and coordination of supply chain, early involvement of critical supply chain stakeholders and extensive supply chain planning are the top five critical success determinants of effective SCM in MiC projects. The 20 success determinants are categorized into five: project strategy, bespoke competencies, process management, stakeholder management and risk management.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has some limitations. The smaller sample size could affect the generalizability of the results. The generalized analysis of the success determinants overlooked their sensitivities to specific contexts, industry climates and project types.Originality/valueThe study established a novel set of critical success determinants for SCM in MiC projects that have not been explicitly discussed in the MiC success literature and described their hypothetical dynamic linkages. It contributes to a better understanding of how best to manage the MiC project supply chain effectively.

Purpose Industrialized construction (IC) is promoted to address some of the ills associated with the processes and products of the traditional construction approach. With several successful projects, IC is progressively becoming a preferred alternative construction approach and spurred the interest of contractors, developers and housing authorities in the technology. Increasingly, these stakeholders are keen to ascertain the compatibility and feasibility of using IC in their projects. This paper aims to develop a knowledge-based decision support framework for implementing industrialized construction projects (ICPs) that can facilitate better and informed decision-making when deciding to implement ICPs. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review was implemented to recruit 40 decision support factors (DSFs) and grouped into project requirements, location and site attribute, labour considerations and organizational factors. A 3-member expert panel validated the relevance of 35 DSFs, which became candidates for a structured questionnaire survey of experts in 18 countries. Statistical techniques are used to evaluate and prioritize the DSFs, leading to the development of a conceptual framework. Findings Statistical analysis revealed 33 significant DSFs. The top five most significant factors that could influence the decision to implement IC in a project include a stringent requirement for project quality control, suitability of the design for IC, organizational readiness and competencies in ICPs, client receptivity to IC and the need to minimize field construction time. A framework of project requirements, location and site attributes, labour considerations and organizational factors was proposed as decision support. Practical implications The proposed framework may help to inform decision-making regarding the implementation of IC in a project. It has wider applicability because it includes technical, managerial and operational aspects of and the required competencies for IC, which are shared between project types and territories. The prioritized DSFs could be used as a guide when implementing IC, especially in countries where bespoke decision support systems cannot be developed. Originality/value The paper delineated the most important DSFs that are shared between IC project types and territories and can be used to investigate the compatibility of using IC in a proposed project. This research constitutes the first exclusive attempt at delineating, quantifying and ranking the sets of decision-making factors, drawing on international data set and contributes to the empirical checklist of DSFs for ICPs.

Purpose The factory production stage constitutes the bridge in the supply chains of modular integrated construction (MiC) projects. It embodies the fundamental differences between MiC and site-based construction. However, there is a poverty of knowledge of the uncertainties and risk events at the production stage. This study aims to investigate the critical production risk factors (PRFs) for MiC projects. Design/methodology/approach Comprehensive literature research and expert review identified and validated 22 candidate PRFs for MiC projects. A structured questionnaire survey was then used to gather opinions of domain experts in 18 countries on the relative impact of the validated PRFs for MiC projects. The collected data were analysed using multiple statistical techniques. Findings Statistical analysis identified nine critical PRFs for MiC projects. The top five include dimensional conflicts between modules during production; delays in production materials procurement; defective design; design information gap between designer and manufacturer; and limited capacity of manufacturers. Originality/value The study addressed the gap associated with identifying critical risk factors peculiar to the factory production stage of MiC projects. Its novelty lies in providing an opposite assessment of severities and prioritization of critical PRFs for MiC projects. The prioritized critical PRFs for MiC projects may inform resource allocation. Thus, it provides valuable information to MiC production specialists and project managers in their production risk planning and management strategies. The identified PRFs contribute to the theoretical checklist of MiC supply chain risk factors and may assist practitioners in assessing the severity levels of the PRFs of their MiC projects.

PurposeGiven the heightened imperatives for boosting supply chain resilience (SCR) in industrialized construction (IC), it is essential to explore the correlational impacts of supply chain vulnerabilities (SCV) and supply chain capabilities (SCC) which are the measures of SCR, specifically in Hong Kong where policymakers actively promote IC. Therefore, this study aims to develop a model to explore the correlational impacts of vulnerabilities and capabilities targeting SCR in IC.Design/methodology/approachAfter drawing on the general literature on SCR, empirical research using an expert opinion survey was conducted following the methodological framework of this study. The gathered data were then subjected to the partial least squares structural equation modeling process. Thereby, four hypotheses were formulated and tested for 20 capability–vulnerability relationships.FindingsSeven of the 20 statistical relationships tested were identified to be significant. Accordingly, production-based SCV were identified as the most critical disruptions. “Resourcefulness” could substantially withstand production-based SCV, receiving the highest path significance. An “enablers-results framework” for achieving SCR of IC was also developed based on these findings to help industry practitioners with SCR implementation.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first structured evaluation model that measures the correlational impacts of SCC and SCV targeting SCR in the construction domain. Further, this study adds substantially to the existing SCR and construction “body of knowledge” by proposing a model explaining how various SCV and SCC influence SCR in IC. These findings also inform the industry where and how to deploy critical SCC at appropriate levels, targeting critical SCV, to contain or extirpate them.

Purpose Industrialized construction (IC) leverages manufacturing principles and innovative processes to improve the performance of construction projects. Though IC is gaining popularity in the global construction industry, studies that establish the best practices for implementing IC projects are scarce. This study aims to benchmark practical lifecycle-based best practices for implementing IC projects. Design/methodology/approach The study used a qualitative research design where nine IC cases from Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong were analysed to identify best practices. The methodological framework of the study followed well-established case study research cycle and guidelines, including planning, data collection, data analysis and reflection on findings. Findings The study identified and allocated key considerations, relevant stakeholders, best practices, typical deliverables and best indicators to the different construction lifecycle phases of IC projects. It also developed a lifecycle-based framework of the best practices for IC projects. Practical implications The study provides practitioners with practical insight into how best to effectively implement, manage and evaluate the performance of the IC project lifecycle phases. The proposed framework can serve as a practical diagnostic tool that enables project partners to evaluate the performance upfront progressively and objectively in each project lifecycle phase, which may inform timely corrective actions. Originality/value The study’s novelty lies in developing a framework that identifies and demonstrates the dynamic linkages among different sets of best practices, typical outputs and best practice indicators across the IC project lifecycle phases.

It is recognized that design for excellence (DfX) methods could deliver significant performance improvements in industrialized construction (IC) projects. However, DfX methods in IC projects in Chi...

PurposeThe applications of multi-agent systems (MASs) are considered to be among the most promising paradigms for detailed investigations and reliable problem-solving methods, and MAS applications make it possible for researchers and practitioners to better understand complex systems. Although a number of prior studies have been conducted to address complex issues that arise from construction projects, few studies have summarised the applications and discussed the capacity of MASs from the perspective of construction management. To fill the gap, this paper provides a comprehensive literature review of MAS applications from the perspective of construction management.Design/methodology/approachWeb of Science and Scopus are the most commonly used international databases in conducting the literature reviews. A total of 86 relevant papers published in SCI-Expanded, SSCI and Ei Compendex journals related to the application of MASs from the perspective of construction management are selected to be analysed and discussed in this paper.FindingsBased on the 86 collected publications, the utilisations of MASs to support the management of the supply chain and the improvement of project performance are identified from the perspective of construction management, the characteristics and barriers of current MAS applications are analysed, a framework for developing agent-based models to address complex problems is proposed, and future research directions of MAS applications are discussed.Originality/valueThis review can serve as a useful reference for scholars to enhance their understanding of the current research and guide future research on MASs. The proposed framework can help build agent-based models to address complex problems in construction management.

Inspired by multiple benefits, including competitive advantages from developing resilient supply chains, this study was designed for the development of effective assessment models to evaluate Suppl...

PurposeDemands for Industrialized Construction (IC) have intensified with growing construction industry imperatives to (A) boost performance; (B) reduce reliance on “in-situ and on-site” operations; and (C) strengthen supply chain resilience (SCR) not just for survival but also to fulfill obligations to clients in the coronavirus disease 2019–induced (COVID-19–induced) “new normal”. In addressing these imperatives, this paper targets more effective leveraging of latent efficiencies of off-site-manufacture, based on findings from a Hong Kong (HK)–based study on assessing and improving SCR in IC in a high-density city.Design/methodology/approachStarting with the identification of critical supply chain vulnerabilities (CSCVs), this study developed a multilevel–multicriteria mathematical model to evaluate the vulnerability levels of IC supply chains (SCs) in HK based on an in-depth questionnaire survey followed by experts' inputs and analyzing them using fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE).FindingsThe overall vulnerability index indicates that IC in HK is substantially vulnerable to disruptions, while production-based vulnerabilities have the highest impact. Top management attention is needed to address these CSCVs in IC in HK.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first structured evaluation model that measures the vulnerability level of IC, providing useful insights to industry stakeholders for well-informed decision-making in achieving resilient, sustainable and performance-enhanced SCs.

PurposeThis paper aims to review the state-of-the-art of literature of supply chain resilience (SCR) and to map the SCR domain, so as to provide a launchpad for further knowledge development and dissemination.Design/methodology/approachCiteSpace as a bibliometric analysis software was used to systematically, comprehensively and accurately review the SCR-related literature and to then develop an SCR research map.FindingsThe results revealed the existing SCR publication base, domains, highly contributed publications, research hotspots, key milestones of SCR research development and a dynamic platform to integrate future research and development of SCR.Originality/valueThe scientific contribution to SCR knowledge is an accurate and quantitative SCR research map, including the related SCR publication base, domains, pillars, hotspots, evolution and future trends. The methodology and the findings can be generalised to many other fields. Besides, the proposed SCR research map could be frequently updated by injecting future findings from similar studies to fill any residual or newly emerging research gaps. Moreover, the results could inspire further new knowledge creation in the SCR domain, identify future research demands in this field and ultimately boost the performance of global SCs by triggering smart and sustainable practices.

Purpose Prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) is a game-changing construction method that transforms the fragmented site-based construction of buildings into an integrated production, integration and assembly of value-added volumetric building components. Where circumstances merit, the effective implementation of PPVC leverages significant gains in time, cost, quality, productivity and sustainability performance of construction projects. As PPVC is increasingly becoming mainstream, it is imperative to identify the critical success criteria (CSC) for measuring PPVC project success. The purpose of this study is to identify, rank and benchmark the CSC for measuring PPVC project success. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a quantitative research design where the potential CSC for PPVC projects were evaluated. A comprehensive literature and pilot expert review identified 18 CSC for measuring PPVC project success. Based on a questionnaire survey of international PPVC experts, the 18 CSC were analyzed and prioritized using mean score analysis and weighting function. Findings Based on mean index assessment, the top five CSC for PPVC projects were identified as adherence to project schedules, meeting project quality specification, meeting safety requirements, client and owner satisfaction and cost savings and profitability. Further analysis grouped the 18 CSC into six principal success criteria (PSC), comprising time performance, cost performance, quality performance, environmental and safety performance, stakeholder satisfaction and supply chain performance. Based on weighted analysis of the six PSCs, quality performance, time performance and environmental and safety performance obtained the highest weights. Research limitations/implications The research results are limited by the following limitations. First, although adequate, the sample size was relatively smaller. Second, the generalized analysis overlooked the geospatial sensitivities of the CSC. Originality/value The results constitute the first exclusive quantitative ranking and prioritization of the CSC for PPVC projects. The outputs of this study will enable practitioners to reliably and accurately evaluate the performance levels of PPVC projects. A framework of the CSC for measuring the success of PPVC projects was developed.

PurposeIndustrialized construction (IC) has accelerated the technological advancements of construction supply chains (SCs) in Hong Kong (HK). However, the usually fragmented IC SCs often lead to friction and turbulence that retard their performance. Streamlining these workflows call for resilient SCs that can proactively overcome various vulnerabilities and avoid disruptions. Having identified supply chain capabilities (SCC) as essential precursors to supply chain resilience (SCR), this paper reports on a vital segment of a study on SCC for IC in HK that focused here on critical SCC (CSCC). Specifically, this paper aims at identifying and probing the CSCC for improving SCR in IC in HK.Design/methodology/approachAfter drawing on the plentiful relevant literature, an empirical study using a questionnaire survey and interviews was conducted following the multi-stage methodological framework of this study. Relevant significance analysis of the collected data enabled the selection of CSCC. Next, factor analysis facilitated grouping them under nine underlying components.FindingsThe results reveal 41 CSCC pertinent to achieve resilient SCs in IC in HK under critical capability components of resourcefulness, flexibility, capacity, adaptability, efficiency, financial strength, visibility, anticipation and dispersion.Originality/valueIt is expected that industry practitioners would benefit from prior knowledge of CSCC and their levels of criticalities, so as to prioritize integrating them suitably into SC processes, to develop value-enhanced-resilient SCs. Further, these findings lay the foundations for developing a powerful evaluation model to assess, then improve, SCR in IC in HK by mapping the identified CSCC with relevant critical vulnerabilities, based on study outcomes.

PurposeIndustrialized construction (IC) has been recognized as a game-changing approach in Hong Kong (HK). However, the increasing risks of disruptions in IC supply chains (SCs) raise SC vulnerability levels, prompting attention to developing supply chain resilience (SCR). Since SCR is only attainable through overcoming critical supply chain vulnerabilities (CSCV) with enhanced SC capabilities, this study first aimed to determine the most CSCV of ICSCs by addressing this current research gap and practical need.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on SCV factors identified from a precursor literature review, an empirical study of IC in HK was conducted using a questionnaire survey and interviews with industry experts. Focussed significance analysis of the data collected through questionnaire survey enabled the selection of 26 CSCV as appropriate to IC. Next, factor analysis was conducted, enabling the grouping of these CSCV under five components. The results were verified and reinforced by interview findings.FindingsThe results revealed 26 CSCV pertinent to resilient ICSCs in HK with five underlying components: economic, technological, procedural, organizational and production-based vulnerabilities. Loss of skilled labour is the most critical vulnerability, whereas organizational SCV is the most critical component identified.Originality/valueFindings of this study would motivate IC project professionals to appreciate and address the CSCV in the context of five components and thereby develop adequate specific capabilities to successfully withstand these CSCV. This should trigger future studies to map CSCV with appropriate capabilities in developing an envisaged powerful assessment model for evaluating the SCR in IC in HK.

Undervaluing the stakeholders’ attributes, salience, and potential to impact a project during its planning and execution may result in stakeholders’ dissatisfaction, distrust, and opposition, leading to project controversies, cost overrun, schedule delays, and even project cessation. The existing stakeholders’ management typologies due to their inherent limitations are unable to provide the project managers with an optimal and comprehensive solution. The present study proposes a framework to improve the stakeholders’ management process by a novel way of mapping stakeholders’ attribute-based salience and potential impact probability into a dynamic stakeholder relational matrix. The framework was validated through a case study conducted on a mega-highway project from China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. The data was collected through a questionnaire survey and analyzed using SPSS. Twelve stakeholder groups with 36 stakeholders were identified. Stakeholders’ salience index and stakeholders’ impact probability were computed and mapped in the stakeholders’ salience assessment matrix (SSAM). The findings revealed significant dominance of the political hierarchy, project management, and defense services in the alignment selection process. Environmentalists, community, local authority, and non-governmental organizations were found deprived of reasonable participation opportunities, and their presence is often undermined and neglected in the selection process. However, the logical stakeholders’ classification and corresponding relational and engagement strategies offered by SSAM are expected to compensate the disparity and improve transparency in the decision process. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by proposing a comprehensive framework that integrates stakeholders’ salience, potential impact, and relational strategy simultaneously. The framework is expected to aid project managers during crucial project decision-making stages to assess stakeholders, their participation provisos, and desired engagement approaches. The proposed framework exhibits the requisite flexibility for its application on diverse infrastructure projects with certain project-specific modifications.

Off-site construction (OSC) involves the fabrication and assembly of building components in a purpose-built factory which are then transported to the job site for final installation. OSC has proven to be a greener construction approach, spurring research towards benchmarking the sustainable attributes of the technique. However, a quantitative statistical analysis of studies on OSC sustainability and a framework of the knowledge domain are not well-established. Drawing on 642 bibliographic records from Scopus, this paper conducted a bibliometric and visualized analysis of research on the sustainability of OSC from 1971 to 2019. The findings show that research publications on OSC sustainability only witnessed steady growth since 2000. A geospatial analysis revealed that at least 32% of countries are involved in the OSC sustainability research, of which the United States, China, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada make the greatest contributions. The hot topics in the contemporary OSC sustainability research were identified as embodied carbon, embodied energy, construction waste, post-occupancy evaluation, resources conservation, and recycling, and cost savings. The paper identified areas that require further research. Thus, the paper offers an all-embracing understanding of the core research themes, trends, and patterns on OSC sustainability to stakeholders.

Construction projects require the effective collaboration among the various types of stakeholders involved to succeed, thus leading to stakeholder perspective studies in construction projects. The study proposes an integrated bibliometric approach to detect the knowledge evolution, domain and frontier with a broader searching scope compared with manual review. A total of 752 peer-reviewed academic papers published until the end of 2017 are used. The knowledge evolution indicates seven milestones in history, namely, stakeholder concept, method, identification, assessment, management, influence and complexity. The identified knowledge domain consists of four major research areas which are society, sustainability, analytical tool and project management. The knowledge frontier is also revealed, including a dearth of detailed discussions on stakeholder engagement in sustainable urban projects, lack of generalisation of stakeholder studies in complex construction projects, limited application of dynamic and simulation stakeholder analysis in uncertain project environment and few instant and accurate approaches to integrate stakeholder information. The study provides a holistic knowledge map for the past, current and future of stakeholder perspective studies in construction projects.

PurposeThis study aims to identify the stakeholders and critical factors (CFs) of promoting age-friendly communities (AFCs), discuss the relationship between the stakeholders and CFs and develop a preliminary framework for the briefing stage of promoting AFCs in urban China.Design/methodology/approachStakeholders and CFs were identified through literature review and document analysis. The Delphi method was used to screen the extracted stakeholders and CFs. The focus group methodology was applied to obtain evaluation matrices of relationships between stakeholders and CFs. A two-mode social network was formed to analyse the evaluation matrices generated.FindingsResults of the analyses indicate that local governments and policymaking institutions, together with project investors, obtained high prioritisations in the stakeholders' group, whilst senior citizens and caregivers appear to rank last. For CFs, communities' environmental factors receive the most attention from stakeholders.Research limitations/implicationsResults of the analyses can only show similarities of the participating stakeholders' opinions on their concerns, and provide researchers and practitioners with initial ideas on analysing stakeholders and CFs at the briefing stage of promoting AFCs. For a specific project, the concerns and prioritisations would change. Diverse voices are necessary and case studies are in need.Practical implicationsChallenges in promoting AFCs in urban China are discussed, and a preliminary framework of the briefing stage is developed for practitioners to follow when promoting AFCs.Originality/valueThis study discusses which CFs should be considered priorities and what consensuses are generally reached by stakeholders. CFs are utilised to interpret stakeholders' relationships, influences and concerns on AFC projects when conducting the social network analysis (SNA).

Population ageing, together with urbanisation, has become one of the greatest challenges throughout the world in the 21st century. Approximately one million people turn 60 each month worldwide. By 2050, more than 20 per cent of the global population is predicted to be 60 years old or above. Thus, an increasing need is evident for age-friendly communities, services and structures. Numerous studies on age-friendly cities and communities (AFCCs) have been conducted over the past decade. The large volume literature makes it necessary to figure out key areas and the evolution trends of studies on AFCCs. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of existing literature pertaining to AFCCs. A total of 231 collected publications are analysed and visualised by CiteSpace. According to the keywords and document co-citation networks that are generated, the foundation, hot topics and domains of AFCC research are grouped. Three major themes, namely the characteristics of AFCCs, the application of the World Health Organization's framework in urban and rural areas worldwide, and the measurement of cities’ and communities’ age-friendliness, are identified. In addition, a roadmap of AFCC research is developed. The results of this research will therefore benefit researchers and practitioners.

Modular integrated construction (MiC) is becoming a preferred construction approach for many types of building projects. However, several factors and conditions must converge to determine the succe...

For many types of projects, modular integrated construction (MiC) is increasingly becoming a preferred method of construction. However, MiC projects are associated with unique risk factors differen...

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to seek better relational strategies between formal and informal stakeholder relationships to improve megaproject performance.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual model was developed with twenty hypotheses based on the literature review. Then a questionnaire survey was conducted, and the collected data were analyzed by Partial Least squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for validating the proposed model. Finally, the findings were discussed by a comparative study to explain the different effects of the formal and informal relationship on megaproject performance, and the managerial implications are presented for the stakeholders to implement the relationship management in the megaprojects.FindingsThe research finding reveals that formal relationship plays a dominating role in cost, quality, and labor protection; meanwhile, it is still more reliable in improving coordination, safety and environmental protection. Both formal and informal relationship is equally important towards collaboration and scheduling while the informal relationship is more effective in communication and project transparency.Originality/valueThe study extends the knowledge of relationship management in the domain of the megaproject performance. It provides a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the impact of formal and informal stakeholder relationships on ten aspects of the megaproject performance by the proposed conceptual model and PLS-SEM results. The research findings contribute to the theory of relationship management on how the different influences between formal and informal stakeholder relationships lead to better megaproject performance from inter-organizational level to project and societal level.

PurposeThis study proposes an approach to solve the fundamental problem in using query-based methods (i.e. searching engines and patent retrieval tools) to screen patents of information and communication technology in construction (ICTC). The fundamental problem is that ICTC incorporates various techniques and thus cannot be simply represented by man-made queries. To investigate this concern, this study develops a binary classifier by utilizing deep learning and NLP techniques to automatically identify whether a patent is relevant to ICTC, thus accurately screening a corpus of ICTC patents.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs NLP techniques to convert the textual data of patents into numerical vectors. Then, a supervised deep learning model is developed to learn the relations between the input vectors and outputs.FindingsThe validation results indicate that (1) the proposed approach has a better performance in screening ICTC patents than traditional machine learning methods; (2) besides the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that provides structured and well-written patents, the approach could also accurately screen patents form Derwent Innovations Index (DIX), in which patents are written in different genres.Practical implicationsThis study contributes a specific collection for ICTC patents, which is not provided by the patent offices.Social implicationsThe proposed approach contributes an alternative manner in gathering a corpus of patents for domains like ICTC that neither exists as a searchable classification in patent offices, nor is accurately represented by man-made queries.Originality/valueA deep learning model with two layers of neurons is developed to learn the non-linear relations between the input features and outputs providing better performance than traditional machine learning models. This study uses advanced NLP techniques lemmatization and part-of-speech POS to process textual data of ICTC patents. This study contributes specific collection for ICTC patents which is not provided by the patent offices.

PurposePrefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) projects are industrialized building systems that are co-created. Thus, effective management of the involved stakeholders is required to ensure project success. However, knowledge of how best to manage the diverse stakeholders in PPVC projects is limited. This research identified and prioritized the success factors or key result areas (KRAs) for the effective stakeholder management (SM) in PPVC projects.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was implemented involving a literature review and structured questionnaire survey with international PPVC experts. The research identified and statistically analysed 12 KRAs for SM in PPVC projects.FindingsAnalysis showed that the top three KRAs for SM in PPVC projects include: effective working collaboration, communication and information sharing among participants; effective coordination of the PPVC supply chain segments; and early involvement of relevant stakeholders in the PPVC project. A factor analysis clustered the 12 KRAs into stakeholder analysis and early involvement, effective communication and information sharing and stakeholder interest integration and conflict management.Practical implicationsThe paper identified and prioritized the KRAs required for the effective SM in PPVC projects. To practitioners, the results may serve as decision support on the key areas to focus to ensure effective SM in PPVC projects and may guide the efficient allocation of limited resources.Originality/valueThis research constitutes the first exclusive attempt at identifying and benchmarking the generic KRAs required for effective SM in PPVC projects and contributes to the SM body of knowledge in industrialized construction.

PurposeFor many types of buildings, prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) is increasingly becoming a preferred alternative construction approach. Empirical evidence of project performance has consistently demonstrated that the ultimate success of PPVC projects is directly linked to the key decisions made at the outset of the PPVC project life cycle. However, there is limited knowledge of how to successfully manage these early stages. This research identified and evaluated the critical success factors (CSFs) required for the management of the conception, planning and design stages of the PPVC project life cycle.Design/methodology/approachA multistage methodological framework was adopted to identify and evaluate the CSFs for management of the early stages of the PPVC project life cycle. Based on a comprehensive literature review and expert review, a list of the 9 CSFs relevant to the early stages of the PPVC project life cycle was established. Drawing on an online-based international questionnaire survey with global PPVC experts, the CSFs were measured. The data set was statistically tested for reliability and analyzed using several techniques such as mean scores, relativity weightings and significance analysis.FindingsThe analysis revealed that the top 5 most influential CSFs for management of the early stages of the PPVC project life cycle include robust design specifications, accurate drawings and early design freeze; good working collaboration, effective communication and information sharing among project participants; effective stakeholder management; extensive project planning and scheduling; and early engagement of key players. The research further found correlations among the CSFs and proposed a conceptual framework for the management of the early stages of the PPVC project life cycle.Research limitations/implicationsThe research recognizes that data quality and reliability risks are the major drawbacks of online questionnaire surveys but the engagement of experts with substantial theoretical and hands-on experiences in PPVC projects helped to minimize these risks. Although small, the sample size was justified and compared with studies that adopted the same data collection approach but analyzed even smaller samples. However, the results should be interpreted against these limitations.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that effective management of the early stages of the PPVC project lifecycle requires early commitment to the PPVC approach in a project; detailed planning and assessment of the suitability of PPVC for the given project; and collaborative design with manufacturers and suppliers to address module production challenges at the detailed design stage. These findings practically instructive and may serve as management support during PPVC implementation.Originality/valueThis research constitutes the first exclusive attempt at identifying the CSFs for successful management of the early stages of the PPVC project life cycle. It provides a fresh and more in-depth understanding of how best to manage the early stages of the PPVC project life cycle. Thus, it contributes to the practice and praxis of the PPVC project implementation discourse.

With large-scale urbanization globally, the world is facing environmental problems brought about by high-density cities. To achieve sustainable development in Hong Kong, especially for the...

By adopting the concept of ‘factory assembly followed by onsite installation,’ construction industrialisation (CI) plays an increasingly important role in sustainable urban development. CI can enhance construction quality and efficiency while reducing environmental impacts. To promote the CI, several policy interventions have been developed and implemented in different countries and regions. This study reviews the global CI promoting regulations and policies to provide a comprehensive insight into its interrelationship and development tendency. The research selects 105 publications related to practical CI policy from widely utilised databases (i.e., Web of Science and Scopus). Based on the annual publication trend analysis, geospatial distribution, and citation analysis, seven interrelated critical CI policy formulation themes are identified and examined: regulatory policies, standardised policies, promotional policies, urban design and planning policies, technological policies, managerial and educational policies, and sustainability policies. In addition, internal correlations and mutual influence among these seven classified policies are explored and discussed, which helps scholars enhance their grasp of current CI policy research and guide future research. This review provides the research community and industrial practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of various CI-promoting policies and a roadmap to CI-promoting policy development and evaluation.

Purpose Modular integrated construction (MiC) is considered as a process innovation to improve the performance of construction projects. However, effective delivery of MiC projects requires management of risks and uncertainties throughout its delivery chain. Although the design stage of MiC projects is usually managed with limited knowledge based on highly uncertain data and associated with epistemic uncertainties, MiC design risks have not received adequate research attention relative to other stages. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a knowledge-based evaluation and ranking of the design risk factors (DRFs) for MiC projects. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviewed the relevant literature to identify potential DRFs and validated their relevance through pilot expert review. The paper then used questionnaires to gather data from international MiC experts from 18 countries and statistically analyzed the data set. Findings Analysis results showed that the five most significant DRFs for MiC projects include unsuitability of design for the MiC method; late involvement of suppliers, fabricators and contractors; inaccurate information, defective design and change order; design information gap between the designer and fabricator; and lack of bespoke MiC design codes and guidelines. A correlation analysis showed that majority of the DRFs have statistically significant positive relationships and could inform practitioners on the dynamic links between the DRFs. Practical implications The paper provides useful insight and knowledge to MiC practitioners and researchers on the risk factors that could compromise the success of MiC project designs and may inform design risk management. The dynamic linkages among the DRFs instruct the need to adopt a system-thinking philosophy in MiC project design. Originality/value This paper presents the first study that specifically evaluates and prioritizes the risk events at the design stage of MiC projects. It sets forth recommendations for addressing the identified DRFs for MiC projects.

Understanding the complex CO2 emissions in inter-sectoral and interregional interactions of the construction industry is significant to attaining sustainability in China. Many previous studies focused on aggregating the construction sector’s CO2 emissions on a national level, with the provincial characteristics and interactions often overlooked. Using extended environmental input–output tables, we adopted a hypothetical extraction method combined with extended-environmental multi-regional input–output tables for 2012, 2015, and 2017 data to decompose the CO2 emissions linkages in 30 provincial construction sectors. The provincial carbon emissions data from a complete system boundary informed the recategorization of China’s construction sector as a high-carbon-intensity industry. The interprovincial interactions results show relatively small backward CO2 emissions linkages compared to forward CO2 emissions linkages depicting the industry’s significant role in China’s economic growth and an essential target in CO2 emissions reduction plans. The provinces exhibited different impacts on the directional push–pull, with less developed provinces having one-way directional effects. The more developed provincial sectors behaved more like demand-driven industries creating an overall imbalance in CO2 emissions interaction between the sectors in interregional emission trades. We identified construction sectors in Gansu, Xingjian, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia as the most critical, with more significant CO2 emissions interactions than other provinces. Improving the technical level in less developed provincial construction sectors, considering provincial characteristics in policy formulation, and a swift shift to renewable energy as a primary energy source would aid in reducing the emissions intensities in the construction sector, especially in the less developed provinces, and achieving China’s quest to reach a CO2 emissions peak by 2030.

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