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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the critical decision factors of public–private partnership (PPP) concession which is complex due to a number of uncertain and random variables. To identify critical factors contributing to determination of concession period, this study reviews the published literature. It also identifies countries contributing most in PPP research. As a whole, it provides a mutually beneficial scenario by formulating a decision-making matrix. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews the literature published during the period 2005-2015. A two-staged methodology is followed on retrieved scholarly papers: first, countries contributing to PPP are identified along with authors and affiliated institutions. Second, using frequency analysis of shortlisted critical factors, yearly appearance and stakeholders affected, a decision matrix is formulated. Findings The most contributing country toward PPP research is China, followed by the USA both in terms of country- and author-based contribution. In total, 63 factors are identified that affect PPP concession out of which, 8 per cent are highly critical and 21 per cent are marginally critical for decision-making. Practical implications Critical factors of PPP concession period will be identified with the help of decision-making matrix. This will help in adequate resource allocation for handling critical factors ensuring project success. Researchers may also understand the research trends in the past decade to usher ways for future improvements. Originality/value This paper reports findings of an original and innovative study, which identifies critical success factors of PPP concession period and synthesizes them into a decision-making matrix. Many of the previous studies have identified and ranked the critical factors but such a synthesis has not been reported.

The current young generation in Australia is increasingly facing issues around housing, and the demand for affordable and personalised housing alternatives to suit the needs of the younger population has given rise to a variety of housing options. The Build-to-Rent (BTR) housing supply model is one such option that was recently introduced with the aim to provide diversity and choice within the private rental sector (PRS). Although the idea of building housing infrastructure to rent is not new, the formalisation of the BTR concept is currently underway and requires a comprehensive understanding of the various factors influencing its successful adoption. With the introduction of big market players such as institutional investors, understanding the critical success factors (CSFs) for producing successful BTR projects is crucial for its adoption as a feasible option for housing provision, especially for the younger population. Through a systematic literature review approach using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, recent literature from 2011 to 2021 were reviewed to identify CSFs related to the BTR housing model. These CSFs help distinguish the BTR paradigm within the general housing market system. A total of 32 CSFs were identified through the review process. Major factors relate to investors’ interest and willingness, affordability, and housing reforms and awareness. These CSFs identify the key areas of interest within the BTR research which can help create a comprehensive understanding of the current BTR scheme, along with providing a baseline for future research.

Abstract. Construction organizations strive to increase their competitiveness by reducing the project costs especially labor cost. Optimizing labor productivity will ensure value for money. In the face of no guidelines available for local construction industry, research must be directed to benchmark construction labor productivity in building projects of Pakistan. Based on a thorough review of established productivity assessment methods, Activity Analysis is performed on five local semi high-rise building projects. Statistical analysis is carried out to identify labor productivity trends in seven standard areas. Further, sensitivity analysis is carried out to characterize the positive and negative influencers. It is revealed that labor spends a little more than one-third of working time in direct and support activities each, and one-quarter in delay activities. Furthermore, delay and support activities are correlated with direct work. Direct work is observed at its peak during midday hours, and lowest during the start and end of workday. The study is an original effort in benchmarking the labor productivity in construction projects of Pakistan. Based on the findings, productivity improvement strategies are proposed from which projects can benefit in the form of optimized costs and schedules. Results are of relevance towards understanding the labor productivity in developing countries.

Risk is inherent in construction projects and managed through contingency. Dynamic management of contingency escrow accounts during project execution poses decision-making challenges. Project managers use key performance indicators (KPIs) for contingency release decisions. However, their subjective mental models influence risk perception, exacerbating the decision-making dilemma. This research integrates project KPIs with future risk perception to develop a mathematical model for facilitating such decision making. Results suggest timely completion, project cost, stakeholder satisfaction, quality and safety as top KPIs, and the influence of managerial pressure as a significant decision contributor. The proposed model helps project managers in dynamic decision making for cost contingency.