Understanding the cost overrun causation in construction megaprojects – a grounded systems thinking approach

Research background: The problem of cost overruns in construction megaprojects is a ‘complex problem’. Although a considerable amount of research has been conducted to identify the isolated factors causing cost overruns in megaprojects, there is a lack of holistic understanding of the complex causal interrelationships between the causes of cost overruns. Therefore, to fulfil this research gap, adding a novel contribution to the existing body of knowledge, adopting systems thinking approach, this thesis aims to holistically examine and understand the cost overrun causation in construction megaprojects and develop a model/substantive theory that represents the complex problem of cost overruns in construction megaprojects. Research methodology and design: The thesis adopted a qualitative research methodology based on a case study research design. California High-Speed Rail project was selected as the case study and data were collected from a range of sources. Data were analysed using grounded theory method and systems thinking approach was used to develop the model (systems map). Seven (07) theoretical propositions that emerged from the data analysis were developed to explain the drivers of each systems map and their cause and effect relationships. The developed model/substantive theory and the underpinning propositions were validated using a two-round modified Delphi survey. Important research findings: The holistic examination of the complex problem of cost overruns revealed that the project cost overruns were an emergent ‘symptom’ caused by multiple interrelated causes and events occurring at different levels and phases of the project thus cannot be attributed to one single cause. Further to the current academic explanations on cost overruns in the project management literature, findings of the research revealed that that ignorance, impulsive decision-making, immature project organisation, and political pressures collectively led to initiating the project with unrealistic cost and schedule estimates and an undefined scope. Scope creep, inflation, community pressure, lawsuits, and multiple delays were collectively responsible for cost overruns during the execution phase. Contribution to knowledge: Using systems thinking approach, this thesis holistically examined the cause and effect relationships between the drivers of cost overruns in megaprojects by developing a model/substantive theory (systems map) of cost overrun causation. The developed systems map could be used as a tool for strategic decision-making in megaprojects to understand how cost overruns emerge as a result of multiple interrelated causes and events occurring at different levels and phases of the project.James Watt Scholarshi

Critical Success Factors (CFSs) Implementation Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) Into Building Information Modelling (BIM) Application Through Malaysian Government Healthcare Projects

The healthcare industry in Malaysia is proving to be one of the most competitive industries today. The sector is expected to grow to 127 billion ringgit (US$30 billion) by 2027, fuelled by increasing demand for healthcare services from an aging population, rising affluence, and increasing life expectancy. An advanced support system is required to ensure the deliverable and have a significant impact on national growth. One commonly used framework to support such crucial decisions in public projects and policies is Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). Integration of more support systems such as CBA and Building Information Modelling (BIM) will further enhance government construction project delivery. The objective of this research was to analyse critical success factors toward the integration of CBA and BIM implementation in Malaysian government healthcare facility projects. The outlined research objective aimed to enhance the integration of CBA within BIM implementation. A mixed-methods approach had been selected to collect the data and obtain the desired information. Via this mixed method, a questionnaire survey was conducted first, followed by the interview session. 90 numbers of respondents (populations) registered via the MYBIM Resources Network List (MyBIM CIDB), 74 numbers of respondents were set as a sampling set, and five (5) random respondents who participated in the early questionnaire survey were then selected to be further interviewed. The most CSFs quoted by the respondents are “peoples” via the interview and training and development via a questionnaire survey. This finding, comparatively, looks almost similar to what was found by previous research done in Hong Kong and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's construction industry. Since CBA and BIM are the most important tools in construction and its deliverables, it is expected that the government, via their technical agencies, will properly and strictly enforce their current policies, which will be followed by all the players in the construction industry. In addition, more training should be provided to equip our construction industry professionals with the latest technology regarding CBA and BIM

Are we ready for net zero in project management? The challenges and strategies for project managers in the delivery of low-carbon major projects

Current national strategies and pledges to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 have highlighted the importance of carbon as an increasingly relevant factor for successful project delivery. Considering the significance of major projects and programmes in developing national infrastructure, the successful delivery of these projects will be a key factor in ensuring that the UK meets its net zero commitments.In addressing this, this research investigates the preparedness of the project management profession by identifying challenges faced by project professionals when planning and delivering current major projects and programmes in the UK. Furthermore, this report explores the necessary strategies and actions to successfully deliver major projects aligned with net zero commitments over the next few decades

Examining the barriers to implementing design for deconstruction in the construction industry of a developing country

PurposeDespite endeavors to alleviate construction and demolition waste and the indications that the process of deconstruction has the potential to steer waste reduction initiatives, there has not been a progressive increase in the adoption of Design for Deconstruction (DfD) in the global south, especially Ghana. This paper aims to identify and analyze the barriers to implementing DfD in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire survey was used to solicit the views of 240 design professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI). The questionnaire was developed by reviewing pertinent literature and complemented with a pilot review. Data were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics.FindingsThe findings revealed ten (10) significant impediments to implementing DfD within the construction industries in developing economies. These impediments revolve around cost, legal matters, storage, incentive and design-related matters. Key among these barriers is “For recovered materials, there are little performance guarantees,” “The absence of strict regulations regarding design for deconstruction,” “Lack of a large market enough for components that have been recovered,” “The need for building codes that address how to design with reused materials” and “Lack of effective design for deconstruction tools.”Originality/valueThe results of this research shed light on a relatively unexplored area within the construction sector, particularly in a developing country like Ghana. Furthermore, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study contributes fresh and supplementary knowledge and perspectives regarding the challenges in implementing DfD practices