Critical Review of the Evolution of Project Delivery Methods in the Construction Industry

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence-Based Decision Support Systems for Improving Construction Project Sustainability: A Systematic Literature Review

This paper aims at evaluating the current state of research into artificial intelligence (AI)-based decision support systems (DSS) for improving construction project sustainability. The literature was systematically reviewed to explore the use of AI in the construction project lifecycle together with the consideration of the economic, environmental, and social goals of sustainability. A total of 2688 research papers were reviewed, and 77 papers were further analyzed, and the major tasks of the DSSs were categorized. Our review results suggest that the main research stream is dedicated to early-stage project prediction (50% of all papers), with artificial neural networks (ANNs) and fuzzy logic (FL) being the most popular AI algorithms in use. Hybrid AI models were used in 46% of all studies. The goal for economic sustainability is the most considered in research, with 87% of all papers considering this goal, and there is evidence given of a trend towards the environmental and social goals of sustainability receiving increasing attention throughout the latter half of the decade.

A Framework for Selecting Construction Project Delivery Method Using Design Structure Matrix

Determining a project delivery method that matches the characteristics of a construction project is a critical step that affects the success or failure of a project. The Project Delivery Method (PDM) should be adapted to the activities and processes of project implementation. However, the traditional selection method does not come from the internal process of the project which may lead to the delivery method not being able to meet the actual project requirements. This research proposes a DSM-based PDM selection framework model that regroups activities and identifies appropriate PDMs by revealing the dependencies and intensities between activities. The research uses a case to demonstrate the feasibility of the framework. After considering specific project requirements and goals, the framework model can be used as a basis for choosing specific project delivery methods, or as a visualization tool to help owners schedule activities.

Collaborative Interorganizational Relationships in a Project-Based Industry

The project-based construction industry finds itself in a paradoxical situation: while it weighs heavily in the world economy, it does have a history of low productivity. One important issue that plagues the industry is related to the challenges that stem from collaborative efforts (or lack thereof) between actors. The objective of this paper is to explore how actors of the construction industry organize their inter-firm relationships while examining the characteristics of such interactions and the elements affecting them (drivers, barriers, facilitators, outcomes). These interactions and elements were uncovered using a systematic literature review. A qualitative content analysis was carried out to categorize these elements and to generate dimensions describing the forms. The 139 articles retrieved depicted 12 relational forms established between construction companies (in descending order of citation): partnering, alliancing, project delivery methods, supply chain integration, joint ventures, integrated project delivery, joint risk management, collaborative design, contingent collaboration, quasi-fixed network, resource sharing, and collaborative planning. A multitude of drivers, barriers, facilitators, and outcomes were found. An analysis of the results led to the conceptualization of a multidimensional profile, which allows for a practical and flexible identification of the relationship form potential partners in the construction sector intend to establish. To provide guidelines for the implementation of this profile, a three-step framework was developed.