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Buildings
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Strategic Planning and Control in Complex Project Management
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Strategic Planning and Control in Complex Project Management

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 December 2024 | Viewed by 17360

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Wenxin Shen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Construction Management, School of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Interests: interface management; project network; program management; coordination; international project management
Prof. Dr. Wenzhe Tang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering, Institute of Project Management and Construction Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Interests: hydropower development; energy management; hydropower construction management; risk management; partnering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jin Xue

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
John Grill Institute for Project Leadership, School of Project Management, The University of Sydney, 21 Ross Street, Forest Lodge, NSW 2037, Australia
Interests: stakeholder engagement; data-driven analysis; megaproject; complex adaptive system; dynamic project analytics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue “Strategic Planning and Control in Complex Project Management” aims to publish research related to innovative theories, approaches, or practices for improving planning and control in complex projects/programs/portfolios. Multi-disciplinary research is essential in this area due to the inherent complexity and challenges associated with managing large-scale projects. By integrating insights from multiple disciplines, this Special Issue intends to contribute comprehensive frameworks and strategies to effectively navigate and control complex projects.

Original theoretical and experimental work, case studies, and comprehensive review papers are invited. Relevant topics to this Special Issue include but are not limited to the following subjects:

  • Strategic alignment between projects in megaproject/program/portfolio contexts;
  • Innovative approaches in strategic planning and control in complex projects;
  • Strategic management for inter-organizational/intra-organizational relationships in complex projects;
  • The strategic roles for planning and control in the design, procurement, and construction phases;
  • Risk management for planning and control in complex projects;
  • Interface management in complex projects/programs/portfolios;
  • Stakeholder engagement in project planning and control;
  • The creation and exploitation of different competencies in strategic planning;
  • Strategic project planning and control under climate change;
  • Strategic project planning and control in VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) environments;
  • The use of information technologies in strategic planning and control;
  • Other relevant topics in strategic planning and control.

Dr. Wenxin Shen
Prof. Dr. Wenzhe Tang
Dr. Jin Xue
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • strategic management
  • project planning
  • project control
  • project management
  • program management
  • portfolio management
  • megaproject management
  • risk management

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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28 pages, 2296 KiB  
Article
Network-Based Modeling of Lean Implementation Strategies and Planning in Prefabricated Construction
by Pei Dang, Linna Geng, Zhanwen Niu, Shan Jiang and Chao Sun
Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3182; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103182 - 6 Oct 2024
Viewed by 587
Abstract
Prefabricated construction (PC) is increasingly promoted in the construction sector for its potential benefits, including reduced resource assumption and improved quality. Accordingly, Lean methods are popularly applied to PC projects for optimizing operational processes and enhancing their performance in line with strategic objectives. [...] Read more.
Prefabricated construction (PC) is increasingly promoted in the construction sector for its potential benefits, including reduced resource assumption and improved quality. Accordingly, Lean methods are popularly applied to PC projects for optimizing operational processes and enhancing their performance in line with strategic objectives. A key factor in effectively implementing Lean to improve strategic control is developing specific strategies and planning that consider their complex interactions. Thus, this paper aims to propose a quantitative network-based model by integrating Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and Matrix Impact Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) under complex network theory to develop a Lean implementation framework for effective strategy formulation. Specifically, 17 Lean implementation strategies for PC in the context of the Chinese prefabrication industry were identified via an extensive literature review and expert interviews. Then, ISM-MICMAC quantitatively identifies the direct and indirect relationships among strategies, while subsequent analysis of Topological Structure Weight (TSW) and Structural Degree Weight (SDW), as complex network parameters, is used to evaluate the importance of each strategy. The findings show that the strategic planning for Lean implementation in PC consists of four levels, i.e., foundation, organizational, technical, and control. Selecting appropriate Lean tools and technologies is crucial for PC implementation, which must be built on a top-level management team and foster a Lean culture. Moreover, it involves building a standardized system of processes and activities, enhancing both internal and external collaboration, and continuously improving processes in response to changes. On one hand, this in-depth network-based analysis offers practical insights for PC stakeholders, particularly in China, on Lean implementation in line with PC performance and strategic control and objectives. On the other hand, the network-based model can be future-implemented globally. Additionally, this study expands the current body of knowledge on Lean in PC by exploring the interrelationships of Lean implementation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Planning and Control in Complex Project Management)
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15 pages, 5378 KiB  
Article
Intelligent Analysis of Construction Safety of Large Underground Space Based on Digital Twin
by Caizhao Yu, Zhansheng Liu, Haitao Wang, Guoliang Shi and Tianshuai Song
Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1551; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061551 - 27 May 2024
Viewed by 949
Abstract
With the rapid development of underground space, the issue of safety in construction processes is becoming more and more significant. The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem of the existing underground space monitoring technology not being centralized and unified. In [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of underground space, the issue of safety in construction processes is becoming more and more significant. The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem of the existing underground space monitoring technology not being centralized and unified. In view of the problems related to large underground spaces in the process of constructing complex structures, with the introduction of Internet of Things technology and digital twins, we put forward an application of an intelligent safety-monitoring digital twin system in the construction of a large underground space structure, and at the same time, explore the Internet and digital integration mechanism of the twin system. The twin system uses BIM technology to establish the corresponding physical construction model, and collects multi-source heterogeneous monitoring data in real time through Internet of Things technology to achieve the exchange of information between the virtual construction model and the physical construction model. The twin system uses the multi-source heterogeneous data for real-time security analysis, and obtains the security status of the structure and feeds it back to the application service layer. The effectiveness and practicability of the twin system in large underground spaces are verified by an example project. Aiming at the safe performance of the orthogonal arch, the mapping relationship of various parameter indexes is obtained, and reasonable control measures are given. This study provides a new solution for improving the safety of construction projects and risk prevention and control, and has important theoretical and practical value for the safety management of underground space construction processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Planning and Control in Complex Project Management)
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18 pages, 3731 KiB  
Article
Development of an Evaluation System for Intelligent Construction Using System Dynamics Modeling
by Jing Guan, Boyang Liu and Wenxin Shen
Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061489 - 21 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1226
Abstract
Under the new wave of scientific and technological revolution, the construction industry finds itself with a critical need to alter the traditional and outdated production mode through technological innovation in order to realize industry transformation and move towards a new era characterized by [...] Read more.
Under the new wave of scientific and technological revolution, the construction industry finds itself with a critical need to alter the traditional and outdated production mode through technological innovation in order to realize industry transformation and move towards a new era characterized by digitalization, informatization, and intelligence. As intelligent construction is the indispensable pathway for the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry, it is of great significance to conduct in-depth research on its evaluation indicators and causality. This paper adopts the system dynamics method, based on the overall structure of intelligent construction, extracts the causality chain and causal feedback loop of intelligent construction, and presents a causality diagram and system dynamics diagram to build a robust system dynamics model for intelligent construction. On this basis, an evaluation index system for intelligent construction is constructed from the five dimensions—investment, design, construction, operation, and environment—for a holistic assessment of the current state of intelligent construction. The research aims to provide a valuable reference for professionals focusing on intelligent construction and the broader development of the industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Planning and Control in Complex Project Management)
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19 pages, 701 KiB  
Article
Study on Resilience Evaluation for Construction Management of Major Railway Projects
by Wenchao Jiang, Xi Zhao, Chaoxun Cai, Kai Chang, Kai Liu and Yuming Liu
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030732 - 8 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1280
Abstract
The construction of major railway projects poses significant risks, which present considerable challenges to construction management. To accurately assess the level of construction management for these projects, this study incorporated resilience theory into the field. The grounded theory method was utilized to establish [...] Read more.
The construction of major railway projects poses significant risks, which present considerable challenges to construction management. To accurately assess the level of construction management for these projects, this study incorporated resilience theory into the field. The grounded theory method was utilized to establish a resilience evaluation indicator system for managing a major railway project construction. Additionally, a resilience evaluation model based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was proposed. This model was applied to evaluate the construction management resilience of a major railway project located in the mountainous region of southwest China. The results indicated that the project exhibits a very high overall level of construction management resilience. Specifically, it demonstrates high levels of ability to monitor and warn, an ability to resist absorption, and an ability to respond to emergencies. Additionally, it showcases high levels of ability to recover and rebuild, and an ability to learn to adapt. The evaluation results were consistent with the actual situation and verified the correctness and reliability of the method. Based on the aforementioned research findings, this paper puts forward recommendations on material redundancy and resource security from a resource perspective, and suggestions on organizational optimization and personnel capacity improvement from a subject perspective, thus indicating directions for enhancing the management level of major engineering railway constructions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Planning and Control in Complex Project Management)
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22 pages, 4648 KiB  
Article
A Proposed Model for Variation Order Management in Construction Projects
by Esam M. H. Ismaeil and Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030726 - 8 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2539
Abstract
This study aims to identify the causes of excessive change orders and their impact on public construction projects in Saudi Arabia. This should support the organizations working in the construction industry to improve variation order management (VOM) as a preventive action by dealing [...] Read more.
This study aims to identify the causes of excessive change orders and their impact on public construction projects in Saudi Arabia. This should support the organizations working in the construction industry to improve variation order management (VOM) as a preventive action by dealing proactively with variation order causes. Therefore, a new methodology was proposed to minimize change orders and their impact on the successful completion of projects as well as cost during the project lifecycle. The methodology involved ten selected turnkey building projects at King Faisal University (KFU) campus, Saudi Arabia. Statistical analyses were conducted to predict the cost overrun in project size and contract value. The findings showed the most significant causes leading to variation order in public construction projects. These include the combined effect of the designer and owner technical committee, designer document, and owner stakeholder committee. Hence, a new model for VOM was developed as a best practice approach, including three stages. The first stage is the initiation process, which includes seven procedures, seven tools, and key responsibilities. The second stage deals with the course of change orders based on a certain number of procedures and weight for each parameter assigned to this phase. It supports decision processes based on a certain average ratio of weights calculation. The third stage is the decision to support decision makers in proceeding or not proceeding with the variation order. Although the present study was conducted in Saudi Arabia’s public building construction project, it is envisaged that these research results are widely applicable to other developing countries. The paper presents a direction for further research to enhance the impact of cost overrun in public sector construction projects in developing countries, i.e., Saudi Arabia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Planning and Control in Complex Project Management)
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17 pages, 1901 KiB  
Article
Centralized or Decentralized? Communication Network and Collective Effectiveness of PBOs—A Task Urgency Perspective
by Xue Ding, Wenxin Shen and Shiai Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(2), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020448 - 6 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3012
Abstract
In the construction industry, there are a large number of project-based organizations (PBOs), where the efficiency of communication and collaboration among organizational members greatly impacts the success of projects. For PBOs employing both centralized and decentralized communication networks, it is worth delving into [...] Read more.
In the construction industry, there are a large number of project-based organizations (PBOs), where the efficiency of communication and collaboration among organizational members greatly impacts the success of projects. For PBOs employing both centralized and decentralized communication networks, it is worth delving into the question of under what circumstances which type of network will yield better results. Based on the IMO model and organizational learning theory, this paper conducts a grouped communication experiment involving 598 engineering management personnel to explore the differences in collective effectiveness of varying communication networks from the perspective of task urgency. Beyond task performance assessments, we have included organizational member perception to form evaluation criteria for collective effectiveness. Our research results show that under conditions of weak task urgency, decentralized networks yield higher collective effectiveness. Conversely, under conditions of strong task urgency, centralized networks demonstrate superior collective effectiveness. Furthermore, this study also verifies the mediating role of knowledge sharing behavior when task urgency is strong. This research provides significant managerial insights for the establishment of appropriate communication networks for PBOs in the construction industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Planning and Control in Complex Project Management)
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18 pages, 1939 KiB  
Article
The Interactive Effects of Communication Network Structure and Organizational Size on Task Performance in Project-Based Organizations: The Mediating Role of Bootleg Innovation Behavior
by Xue Ding, Long Feng, Yao Huang and Wei Li
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010098 - 29 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2299
Abstract
A PBO is a temporary organization formed by assembling members with diverse experiences and backgrounds, aimed at achieving specific innovation goals. Constructing a reasonable communication network structure and enhancing organizational synergy are effective ways to promote the sustainable development of the system. This [...] Read more.
A PBO is a temporary organization formed by assembling members with diverse experiences and backgrounds, aimed at achieving specific innovation goals. Constructing a reasonable communication network structure and enhancing organizational synergy are effective ways to promote the sustainable development of the system. This study, based on the Input–Process–Output (IPO) model and social network analysis, utilized a group collaboration platform to conduct a three-stage communication experiment on 685 construction project managers. Under two organizational sizes, the internal mechanism of how communication networks with two levels of centralization influence task performance were tested. The results indicate that in the case of a smaller organizational size, PBOs using a decentralized communication network tend to achieve higher task performance. However, as the organizational size expands, PBOs employing a centralized communication network may surpass in task performance. Additionally, we found that with the expansion of organizational size, bootleg innovation behaviors of organizational members are continually stimulated, further enhancing collective task performance. This study, based on the evolution of communication network parameters, explores the structural characteristics of organizational communication networks and the mechanisms underlying the emergence of bootleg innovation behaviors. It delineates the key pathways for improving collective task performance. The findings can provide a scientific reference for the organizational evolution and development of engineering project management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Planning and Control in Complex Project Management)
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Review

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21 pages, 1960 KiB  
Review
Extended Reality (XR) Training in the Construction Industry: A Content Review
by Shixian Li, Qian-Cheng Wang, Hsi-Hsien Wei and Jieh-Haur Chen
Buildings 2024, 14(2), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020414 - 3 Feb 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3006
Abstract
As modern information technology advances and equipment devices update, extended reality (XR) technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and augmented virtuality (AV) have witnessed an increasing use and application in construction training. This review aims to comprehensively examine the evolution of [...] Read more.
As modern information technology advances and equipment devices update, extended reality (XR) technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and augmented virtuality (AV) have witnessed an increasing use and application in construction training. This review aims to comprehensively examine the evolution of XR training in the construction domain. To achieve this, a systematic literature review of 74 journal papers from the Scopus database was conducted. This paper outlines the progression of XR training from 2009 to 2023, detailing related technologies like development platforms, display devices, and input devices. The literature review reveals that XR application in construction training spans five main areas: (1) safety management, (2) skill/knowledge acquisition, (3) equipment operation, (4) human–computer collaboration, and (5) ergonomics/postural training. Additionally, this review explores the impact of trainee roles on XR training outcomes and identifies the challenges faced by XR technology in construction training applications. The findings of this literature review are hoped to assist researchers and construction engineering trainers in understanding the latest advancements and challenges in XR, thereby providing valuable insights for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Planning and Control in Complex Project Management)
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Other

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25 pages, 3649 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Bibliometric Analysis of Supply Chain Management within Modular Integrated Construction in Complex Project Management
by Yuhang Zhang, Geoffrey Qiping Shen and Jin Xue
Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1667; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061667 - 5 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1186
Abstract
As construction projects become increasingly complex, modular integrated construction (MiC) has emerged as a pivotal solution, driving integrated development in complex projects. However, the reliance on prefabricated modules underscores the crucial role of supply chain management (SCM) in MiC, necessitating strategic planning and [...] Read more.
As construction projects become increasingly complex, modular integrated construction (MiC) has emerged as a pivotal solution, driving integrated development in complex projects. However, the reliance on prefabricated modules underscores the crucial role of supply chain management (SCM) in MiC, necessitating strategic planning and operational control. This study aimed to use bibliometric analysis to map the SCM knowledge domain within MiC. Through the use of keywords related to “supply chain” and “MiC”, 196 relevant papers were extracted from the Web of Science database. These papers were subjected to co-citation analysis, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and time span analysis to elucidate the historical evolution, multidisciplinary domains, and future directions in planning and control within SCM-MiC. The research identified two milestones in SCM-MiC’s historical trajectory, enhancing our understanding of its foundations. Moreover, 11 clusters were identified, illustrating the multidisciplinary nature of SCM-MiC. Dividing the literature into seven stages of the supply chain, the research outlined four research directions aligned with project complexity and technological development, highlighting current hotspots and gaps of the strategic planning and control. These directions bridge the construction management and information technology domains, guiding future SCM-MiC research within complex project management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Planning and Control in Complex Project Management)
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