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Comparing BIM Implementation Strategies: Outsourcing Consultants vs. In-House Team Formation
No full textBuilding Information Modeling (BIM) has become an essential component in modern construction engineering, offering significant opportunities for performance improvement. However, some organizations face a critical decision in their BIM implementation strategies: whether to outsource BIM deliverables to external consultants or to develop and maintain in-house BIM teams. This paper provides a qualitative and comparative analysis of the approaches to outsourcing BIM services versus forming internal teams. The study is grounded in interviews with 20 professionals in leadership roles responsible for managing projects digitally with BIM. These experts implemented different strategies: 15% opted exclusively for outsourcing, 45% chose to form an in-house team, and the remaining 40% combined both options across various construction projects. On one hand, outsourcing BIM offers flexibility, access to specialized knowledge, and potentially lower initial costs. However, it often lacks the integration and project control that in-house teams can provide. On the other hand, while forming internal teams requires a greater initial investment in training and infrastructure, it facilitates better alignment with organizational goals, closer collaboration, and sustained operational efficiency. The findings emphasize that the choice between these two options should align with each organization\u27s specific needs, the project\u27s scale, and the level of integration required in the workflow enabling professionals to make more informed decisions. Additionally, recommendations are also provided to help companies evaluate their needs by considering their available resources and strategic goals, thereby enabling effective and efficient decision-making
A Bibliometric-Systematic Analysis Of Post-Occupancy Evaluation Of Green Building Using Bibliometrix R-Tool
Get PDFPost-occupancy evaluation (POE) is an essential tool to gather data from occupants regarding their dwelling conditions to inform retrofit decisions or improve future performance. With the growing importance of green building (GB) as a potent mechanism to address sustainability challenges within the construction industry, research on POE-in-GB is critical. However, there has been little effort to provide researchers with a systematic and bibliometric analysis of the state-of-the-art of the POE-in-GB field. To address this gap, this study uses bibliometric-systematic analysis to conduct a state-of-the-art review of POE-in-GB. A dataset comprising 183 publications from 1999-2023 was collected from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The data was analyzed using VOSviewer, Gephi, and Bibliometrix. As expected, results revealed an upward trend in publications on POE-in-GB. These publications involve the contributions of 424 authors from 84 outlets. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed that the most significant keywords and hotspots in POE-in-GB research include “indoor environmental quality (IEQ)”, “occupant satisfaction”, “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)”, “building performance assessment”, “sustainable building”, and “thermal comfort”. A further qualitative systematic analysis of 50 screened research publications revealed some knowledge gaps and future research directions of POE-in-GB, including socio-psychological factors in POE-in-GB, standardizing protocols, aligning GB certifications to user satisfaction, and technology and big data integration in post-occupancy studies. This study contributes to the knowledge domain of GBs and POEs by providing a state-of-the-art review of the area and identifying research gaps to improve sustainability and efficiency within the architecture, engineering, and construction, operations (AECO) sector
System Dynamic Framework for Integrating Building Information Modelling with Construction Productivity Measurement in Hong Kong
Get PDFRelatively high construction cost in Hong Kong requires the industry to improve construction productivity substantially in order to stay competitive. An appropriate construction productivity measurement (CPM) method is crucial to improving construction productivity. While previous studies have highlighted the benefits of integrating building information modelling (BIM) with CPM, BIM is not yet fully utilized in CPM practices due to various constraints. Therefore, this paper aims to overcome the constraints by developing a system dynamic (SD) framework for integrating BIM with CPM. First, a systematic literature review is carried out to identify the wide-ranging constraints and strategies for integrating BIM with the construction industry. Second, the literature findings are validated as applicable to the CPM context through semi-structured interviews with academic researchers and experts in the Hong Kong construction industry. Finally, the constraints and strategies are modelled using the SD approach, which reveals complicated interrelations between them. Constraints and strategies are grouped into six categories, namely, financial, technological and technical, legal and contractual, organizational and managerial, behavioral and cultural, and informational. The SD framework contributes to an in-depth study of the many influencing constraints and strategies and the inter-linked relations. The proposed framework will help practitioners overcome the constraints and embrace BIM utilization for CPM by referring to the strategies proposed
AI TOOLS IN PROJECT PRACTICE (DESIGN PROCESS, PLATFORMS, OPEN BUILDING)
Get PDFThe article provides an overview the application of AI-practices in the architectural and design practice (narrow AI/ANI’s). Various directions of introducing these tools into the process (from generative design to reinforced collaborative systems & AI-actors) are considered. The main emphasis is on two aspects: application of AI to ensure the Open Building Implementation concept (within the framework of open construction). How to open buildings ideas react on these practices. How open systems can be complemented with these tools. How the OB-principles (modularity, “openness” itself, users-inhabitants design decisions making & designing process with multiple participants ets.) may change when applying AI-ideas. The second emphasis is the consideration of AI-tools in “social” (non-profit) urban projects to ensure the quality & (mass) access to services to make cities and communities more open and sustainable & to make services more affordable for everybody. A range of examples will be outlined (with the implementation of these tools in new emerging informationally-technological platforms). The theme is examined in depth & sober, not only in technical trends but within the framework of the Postindustrial theory and complex socio-cultural changes & history - to create the new sophisticated fabric of the city, that emerges today
A Case-Study-Based Investigation on the Planning and Development of Tiny Home Communities in North Carolina
Get PDFTiny homes have gained popularity over the past two decades. However, tiny homes have encountered obstacles to being considered as primary dwellings because most local zoning ordinances do not fully adopt them as a permanent dwelling type. Only a few counties (5%) and municipalities (6%) in North Carolina adopted tiny homes in their ordinance. A multiple-case study is employed to investigate eight communities in North Carolina. The developers, property owners, municipality officials, and county planners are interviewed. Other methods include studying the communities\u27 general layout and amenities and reviewing zoning ordinances, property records, and site plans. The data are analyzed using thematic analysis. Three tiny home development models are recommended: Cluster Development, Pocket Neighbourhood, and Tiny Home Park. The development guidelines of the three models are recommended
Human-Centered Construction Organizations: Analyzing the Integration of Lean Construction Principles with Human-Centric Approaches
No full textThe construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the advancements of digital transformation and the emerging paradigm of Industry 5.0. While these developments bring opportunities for increased efficiency and productivity, they also present challenges in integrating human-centric approaches within the digital transformation initiatives. While both lean construction principles and human-centric approaches aim to improve organizational performance, their integration and mutual relationships remain understudied. This paper examines the intersection of human-centric approaches with lean construction principles in construction organizations, focusing on the concept of Human-Centered Construction Organizations (HCCOs) advancing sustainability objectives aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of relevant CIB commissions. This paper implements a multi-step methodology to identify and analyze the relationship between lean construction principles and human-centric approaches in construction organizations. Through systematic literature review and advanced network analysis techniques; the study examines how lean construction principles support and enhance human-centric approaches. The findings reveal significant interconnections between specific lean construction principles and human-centric elements, with productivity improvement, safety enhancement, and environmental consideration emerging as central nodes in the network. The analysis identified 35 lean construction principles and 31 human-centric approaches, demonstrating dense interconnections with a graph density of 27. Key human-centric approaches, including individual cognitive abilities, problem-solving capabilities, and effective communication channels, were found to be frequently integrated within lean construction principles. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a quantitative understanding of how lean construction principles can support human-centric transformation in construction organizations, offering practical insights for industry practitioners and researchers
Four-fold framework for process information management and the suitability of in-house developed tools in lean construction operations
No full textThis study has proposed expanding the orthodox two-fold Production Planning & Control (PP&C) model into a four-fold framework aiming to rationalize intermediate construction management activities by incorporating Lean Construction concepts while adapting them to the socio-technical characteristics of the local industry. Then, it verified the suitability of in-house-developed and joint-developed tools devised to assist existing work processes and routines, which used to operate regardless of formalized lean tenets. However, because they embed similar principles, the hypothesis that certain functions could be helpful in the realization of the Last Planner System (LPS) methodology was examined. This research has employed the Design Science Research approach to devise a process information management framework for building production that is systematic yet simple. Instantiations of three cloud applications covering different functions and project phases demonstrated a degree of complementarity so that, if combined or equipped with additional features such as constraints elimination status management and automated track record systems, they could provide handy information visualization unavailable in commercial software. The joint implementation of these tools could help realize a variation of the LPS that suits high-context culture operation environments, where advanced preparations, such as setup and arrangements to build consensus, play a key role. Introducing those existing tools into the project flow could help reduce the burden of new technology development, workflow changes, and user training. This study helped extend the range of possible applications to existing technologies by organizing their functionalities against a structured working methodology and identifying opportunities for future developments
Sustainable Workforce Health: Exoskeleton Effects on Posture and Performance in Repetitive Lifting for Labor-Intensive Industries and Construction
No full textWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most frequently reported injuries among industrial workers, primarily due to prolonged exposure to awkward postures. While ergonomists emphasize process and equipment redesign, exoskeletons offer a promising supplementary solution for improving workplace ergonomics. However, the effectiveness of different exoskeleton designs remains understudied. This study employs an experimental approach to evaluate the impact of two passive exoskeletons—(A) HAPO SD and (B) BISKO—on posture and task performance during repetitive lifting activities. Postural assessment was conducted using an AI-driven software that analyzes posture based on the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method. The findings indicate that both exoskeletons influenced posture and performance, albeit with varying effectiveness. Exo A demonstrated more consistent benefits by shifting postures toward moderate-risk categories (RULA scores of 3 to 4) while enabling participants to complete more repetitions and sustain longer task durations compared to both the no-exoskeleton condition and the BISKO exoskeleton. However, statistical analyses did not confirm significant differences in posture improvements between exoskeleton and no-exoskeleton conditions, underscoring the importance of ergonomic training and safe lifting techniques as primary interventions. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on exoskeleton applications in workplace ergonomics, emphasizing the need for careful exoskeleton selection to optimize worker augmentation and mitigate fatigue
Renewable Energy Projects for UN SDGs: A Literature Review
No full textIn 2015 all UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which provides roadmap for peace and prosperity for the world. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are at the center of it. This study examines the vital role that renewable energy projects play in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations considering the growing environmental concerns and the pressing need for sustainable development. This research employs a critical literature review approach to review studies on the practices of renewable energy projects to achieve SDGs. The findings underscore the importance of continued investment in renewable energy projects to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. Apart from the environmental benefits, the findings also focus on different benefits of renewable energy projects for the society and economics. The study also highlights the geographical distribution of research contributions, with developed countries leading the field, while emerging economies like China, India, and Turkey are increasingly making significant contributions. Findings from this study offer a comprehensive understanding of current renewable energy projects research to identify the knowledge gaps and direct the future trends
