Public governance in the context of Construction 4.0: a systematic and comprehensive literature review

The construction sector, representing a significant portion of the global economy, has been pivotal in delivering successful complex projects like skyscrapers and undersea tunnels (McKinsey, 2020). Despite its scale and achievements, the industry has struggled with limited productivity gains and inefficiencies, including frequent cost and time overruns and a considerable environmental impact due to high resource and energy consumption (Rodriguez Trejo et al., 2024;Sheikhkhoshkar et al., 2023). Over the previous decades, many strategies, innovations, technologies, methodologies and tools have been developed and applied to address these challenges. In this regard, methodologies such as lean construction have been adopted, drawing from lean manufacturing principles to improve process efficiency by reducing waste and maximizing value (Dauda et al., 2024). This approach has led to more rapid, cost-effective and higher-quality project deliveries, fostering a culture of teamwork and enhancing client satisfaction by mitigating common project issues (Gonz alez et al., 2022). Moreover, lean project delivery models like integrated project delivery (IPD) and alliancing are reshaping the construction industry by fostering stakeholder collaboration. This approach aligns with lean principles, focusing on reducing waste and enhancing efficiency, while tackling common issues such as budget overruns and delays. The shift towards a more integrated and cooperative project management method promises to deliver projects more effectively, meeting time and budget constraints while ensuring quality (Elghaish et al., 2022;Rashidian et al., 2024).On another front, the advent of Industry 4.0 technologies such as building information modeling (BIM), blockchain, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize the construction industry by addressing its longstanding challenges (Dawood et al., 2022;Rahimian et al., 2021). BIM revolutionizes construction by digitizing project management through a collaborative 3D model. Enriched with detailed information, this model serves throughout a building's lifecycle, improving planning, design, construction and operation. BIM enhances efficiency, reduces errors and fosters better collaboration among stakeholders, making it an indispensable tool in modern construction practices (Sompolgrunk et al., 2023). Blockchain technology introduces transparency and security in transactions and documentation (Singh et al., 2023). VR and AR provide immersive experiences for visualizing projects before they are built, enhancing decision-making and training (Adebowale and Agumba, 2024). Robotics and AI bring automation and smart analytics, respectively, optimizing construction processes, reducing errors and improving safety (Abioye et al., 2021;Oke et al., 2024). Together, these technologies contribute to solving critical issues in construction, such as cost overruns, project delays and safety concerns, leading to more efficient, sustainable and cost-effe...

mentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Editorial: Innovation and lean practices for sustainable construction project management; emerging technologies, strategies and challenges

Najafi,

Sheikhkhoshkar,

Rahimian

2024

Comprehensive sustainability assessment of Ferrock: innovations for the sustainable built environment

Muhit,

Al-Fakih,

Mbiu

2024

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the suitability of Ferrock as a green construction material by analysing its engineering properties, environmental impact, economic viability and adoption challenges. It also aims to bridge knowledge gaps and provide guidance for integrating Ferrock into mainstream construction to support the decarbonisation of the built environment.Design/methodology/approachIt presents a systematic and holistic review of existing literature on Ferrock, comprehensively analysing its mechanical properties, environmental and socio-economic impact and adoption challenges. The approach includes evaluating both quantitative and qualitative data to assess Ferrock’s potential in the construction sector.FindingsKey findings highlight Ferrock’s superior mechanical properties, such as higher compressive and tensile strength, and enhanced durability compared to traditional Portland cement. Ferrock offers significant environmental benefits by capturing more CO2 during curing than it emits, contributing to carbon sequestration and reducing energy consumption due to the absence of high-temperature processing. However, the material faces economic and technical challenges, including higher initial costs, scalability issues, lack of industry standards and variability in production quality.Originality/valueThis review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of Ferrock. Despite being discussed for a decade, Ferrock research has been overlooked, with existing studies often limited and published in poor-quality sources. By synthesising current research and identifying future study areas, the paper enhances understanding of Ferrock’s potential benefits and challenges. The originality lies in the holistic evaluation of Ferrock’s properties and its implications for the construction industry, offering insights that could drive collaborative research and policy support to facilitate its integration into mainstream use.

Position paper: public policy implications in publicly funded infrastructure projects

Al Naqbi,

Ojiako,

Al-Mhdawi

et al. 2024

PurposeThis essay contributes to the ongoing exposition of a project management-focused understanding of “public policy” implementation. Distinct from previous studies that take a predominantly administrative sciences perspective, the delivery and implementation of publicly funded infrastructure projects as an instrument of public policy is explored through the lens of legal frameworks.Design/methodology/approachWe adopt the explanation-building review approach to provide descriptions and explanations of the relevant enablers and context necessary for the successful delivery and implementation of publicly funded infrastructure projects.FindingsThe ambiguity associated with public policy is more likely to hinder than facilitate the use of publicly funded infrastructure projects as preferred instruments of choice for implementing public policy.Originality/valueDespite substantial interest among academics and practitioners in utilising projects as tools for public policy implementation, thorough discussions on the legal complexities inherent in these projects remain scarce.