Journal Of Project Management Practice (JPMP)

Mapping the Nexus of 5D BIM and Big Data in Project Cost Management: A Systematic Review

Faris Hyder Ali — 2025-06-30

Success in construction projects fundamentally depends on exceptional project management, with project cost management (PCM) being one of the key components. However, PCM often faces constraints such as outdated data and data inaccuracies throughout the project’s lifecycle, which consequently undermine its reliability. Recently, 5D Building Information Modelling (BIM) is gaining attention as an innovative work process that could facilitate PCM enhancement. Despite the potential of 5D BIM to address the PCM issues, it is found that technology struggles with certain PCM data complexities; thus, suggesting that big data analytics (BDA) might be beneficial if used concurrently with 5D BIM in providing solutions. Nevertheless, the linkage between 5D BIM components and big data (BD) attributes remains scantily mapped. Therefore, a systematic mapping between these domains is necessary as a forerunner to manifest their relationship. In order to address this gap, this research employs a systematic literature mapping method with the aim to illustrate the associations and the potential synergies between 5D BIM and BD attributes. The findings suggest that there is a distinct theoretical connection between them, highlighting the need for further exploration and investigation for practical implementation. This research serves as a milestone in understanding the interplay between 5D BIM and BD attributes, paving the way for more effective integration in the current industry practices.

Appraising Risk Management Strategies in Construction Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: A Sector-Specific Analysis

Aliu Adebayo Soyingbe — 2025-06-30

The small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the construction industry hold the greatest potential for increasing the construction industry’s capacity and general economic development in any country. However, these SMEs face high risks associated with the construction industry which can deter their survival, growth, and sustainability in the sector. Therefore, this study evaluates the risk management strategies among the construction small and medium enterprises (CSMEs) intending to enhance project outcomes. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey research design using a questionnaire data instrument to elicit information regarding the subject of risk management. 202 construction professionals from different CSMEs in Lagos State participated in the study. The result showed that expert judgment, risk analysis, and checklist analysis were identified to have registered significant awareness by the CSMEs. However, this high level of awareness did not translate to high usage of risk management strategies. Thus, since awareness alone is insufficient to drive implementation, this study recommends fostering continuous awareness of risk management practices to enhance their adoption among CSMEs. This may be accomplished by encouraging continuous awareness and education through industry seminars, case-based training, and focused workshops that highlight the application of risk management strategies by CSMEs in actual projects. Besides, creating peer-learning networks, disseminating success stories centered on CSMEs, and incorporating useful risk management information into CSME development initiatives will be beneficial. Furthermore, aid from the government agencies and professional associations in the form of mentorship, and simpler tools can promote regular use and enhance comprehension among CSMEs.

Examining Factors Hindering Value for Money in Public Infrastructure Procurement in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Jude Chidozie Igwe — 2025-06-30

This study examines the factors hindering value for money (VfM) in public infrastructure procurement, using Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, as a case study. Through a systematic literature review and pilot survey, 18 factors hindering value for money in public infrastructure procurement in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, were articulated. The purposive and snowball sampling technique was employed to administer an open-ended questionnaire to the relevant professionals/stakeholders. A quantitative method of analysis was adopted to examine the identified factors. Through factor analysis, the prevalent hindering factors were established. Organizational and policy constraints, funding and external influence, technical and accountability factors, economic and internal deficiencies, human-induced factors, and attitudinal and documentation lapses were identified as the components hindering value for money in Owerri. The adoption of relevant reforms of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and the principles of value for money in public procurement are crucial and instrumental in overcoming the hindrances to ensuring value for money. The study recommends practical steps such as insulating procurement systems from political interference, simplifying VfM tools for local professionals, embedding risk-aware budgeting, and enforcing ethical standards. These findings contribute to the growing conversation on how to strengthen procurement frameworks in Nigeria and similar settings, especially in subnational regions. Ultimately, the study calls for reforms that are not just technically sound but grounded in the realities of local governance and practice.

Empowering Quantity Surveyors for Decarbonisation: Awareness and Role Prioritisation in Malaysia’s Construction Sector

Saipol Bari Abd Karim — 2025-06-30

The construction industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 37 per cent of global emissions, with a significant share attributed to embodied carbon from construction materials. In Malaysia, the construction sector contributed approximately 24 per cent of national emissions, prompting the government to pursue a net-zero carbon target by 2050. Quantity surveyors (QSs) play a pivotal role in supporting the national decarbonisation agenda through cost planning, life cycle analysis, and procurement decisions, which influence the carbon outcomes of construction projects. However, limited empirical research has examined QS awareness of national climate policies or their readiness to support low-carbon practices. This study investigates two key areas: (1) the level of awareness among Malaysian QS professionals toward the national decarbonisation agenda, and (2) the perceived importance of QS roles in advancing decarbonised construction. A total of 89 responses were analysed using the Relative Importance Index and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Findings indicate that while QS professionals demonstrate a high awareness of general sustainability concepts, their awareness of Malaysia-specific policies and decarbonisation pathways remains limited. Cost-related roles, particularly project cost estimation and life cycle costing, were prioritised as central to supporting decarbonised construction. However, the perception of emerging roles, such as building performance reporting, varied significantly by experience level. The study highlights the need to embed decarbonisation competencies into professional frameworks, education, and policy. Strengthening role clarity and capacity building is essential to position quantity surveyors as strategic enablers in Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon construction sector.

Machine Learning for Promoting Green Building Practices: Implications for Construction Project Delivery in Malaysia

MUHAMMAD HADI MUSTAFA — 2025-06-30

The construction industry in Malaysia is undergoing a transformative shift as digital technologies, aligned with Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0), are increasingly adopted to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and project delivery. Among these technologies, machine learning (ML), a branch of artificial intelligence, has garnered growing interest due to its potential to support green building practices. However, despite its benefits, the practical implementation of ML within the Malaysian construction sector remains limited. This study examines the impact of machine learning on promoting green building practices and assesses its implications for the delivery of construction projects. A quantitative approach was adopted, with data collected from 125 construction professionals, including contractors, quantity surveyors, engineers, and architects. The analysis employed descriptive statistics, the Relative Importance Index (RII), and the perceived effectiveness of ML applications. The findings highlight the positive impact of ML on key sustainability outcomes, including energy efficiency optimization, sustainable material use, and project planning. Nonetheless, several barriers impede its widespread adoption, including high initial investment costs, inadequate infrastructure, limited stakeholder awareness, and resistance to technological change. The study also identifies future opportunities for ML integration in areas such as predictive analytics for cost and cash flow management, real-time risk mitigation, and enhanced decision support systems. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital transformation in construction by offering empirical evidence on the benefits and challenges of ML adoption in green building initiatives. The study highlights the strategic value of ML in enhancing sustainable project delivery and offers actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers seeking to advance green construction through intelligent technologies.