Integrated Decision-Making in Aec-Em: Mechanisms, Pathways, And Value Enhancement

Authors

  • Hu Hong

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/41kz0v04

Keywords:

Integrated Decision-Making (IDM); Project Value Enhancement (PVE); AEC-EM Integration; Building Information Modeling (BIM); Integrated Project Delivery (IPD).

Abstract

The architecture, engineering, construction, and economic management (AEC-EM) sectors are to incorporate integrated decision-making (IDM) for project value enhancement (PVE). In this paper, it is conducted with the view of consolidating research on the mechanisms and pathways through which IDM achieves PVE. The study builds a theoretical basis for core IDM and PVE concepts from system integration, value engineering, and stakeholder theory. Among other factors, the paper identified key mechanisms contributing to the effect: reduced information asymmetry, lower coordination costs, optimized design and construction, and general performance of the project in resources utilization. Among others, the primary pathways of implementing IDM are discussed: integrated project delivery (IPD), building information modeling (BIM), early contractor involvement (ECI) and relational contracting. Another novelty of the review is the consideration of multi-dimensional project value assessment above traditional metrics. Research focus of the current studies is also unveiled: digitalization and sustainability. Lastly, it indicates the research voids, like the measure of intangible value and the socio-technical IDM, suggesting the directions of future studies to bridge the theory-practice divide and foster more value creation in AEC-EM projects

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] Kamara J. M., Augenbroe G., Anumba C. J., et al. Knowledge management in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. Construction Innovation, 2002, 2(1): 53-67.

[2] Shen W., Hao Q., Mak H., et al. Systems integration and collaboration in architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management: A review. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 2010, 24(2): 196-207.

[3] Pollack J., Helm J., Adler D. What is the Iron Triangle, and how has it changed. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 2018, 11(2): 527-547.

[4] Staniškis J. K., Staniškienė E., Stankevičiūtė Ž., et al. Socio-environmental-economic transformations towards sustainable development. Transformation of Business Organization Towards Sustainability: Systems Approach, 2022, 12(3): 81-165.

[5] Wang W. M., Lee A. H., Peng L. P., et al. An integrated decision making model for district revitalization and regeneration project selection. Decision Support Systems, 2013, 54(2): 1092-1103.

[6] Fewings P., Henjewele C. Construction project management: An integrated approach. Routledge, 2019.

[7] Kelly J., Male S., Graham D. Value management of construction projects. John Wiley & Sons, 2014.

[8] Rosengart A., Granzotto M., Wierer R., et al. The green value engineering methodology: A sustainability-driven project management tool for capital projects in process industry. Sustainability, 2023, 15(20): 14827.

[9] Rajabalinejad M., van Dongen L., Ramtahalsing M. Systems integration theory and fundamentals. Safety and Reliability, 2020, 39(1): 83-113.

[10] Rebentisch E., Prusak L. Integrating program management and systems engineering: Methods, tools, and organizational systems for improving performance. John Wiley & Sons, 2017.

[11] Bageis A. An extensive literature review on value engineering/management in the construction industry of Saudi Arabia: Identifying future research directions. Construction Innovation, 2022, 12(3): 45-56.

[12] Uribe D. F., Ortiz-Marcos I., Uruburu Á. What is going on with stakeholder theory in project management literature? A symbiotic relationship for sustainability. Sustainability, 2018, 10(4): 1300.

[13] Igberaese D. A. Introduction to project management: A source book for traditional PM basics. Routledge, 2022.

[14] Cuypers I. R., Hennart J. F., Silverman B. S., et al. Transaction cost theory: Past progress, current challenges, and suggestions for the future. Academy of Management Annals, 2021, 15(1): 111-150.

[15] Pishdad-Bozorgi P. Case studies on the role of integrated project delivery (IPD) approach on the establishment and promotion of trust. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 2017, 13(2): 102-124.

[16] Bello A., Abdulraheem A. A., Afolabi O. P., et al. Assessing the underlying factors affecting trust and transparency in the construction industry: A mixed method approach. Construction Economics and Building, 2024, 24(1-2): 9-28.

[17] Oliver S. Integrated facilities management using digital twinning and distributed ledgers. Teesside University, 2023.

[18] Bick S., Spohrer K., Hoda R., et al. Coordination challenges in large-scale software development: A case study of planning misalignment in hybrid settings. IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, 2017, 44(10): 932-950.

[19] Li C. Z., Zhong R. Y., Xue F., et al. Integrating RFID and BIM technologies for mitigating risks and improving schedule performance of prefabricated house construction. Journal of Cleaner Production, 2017, 165: 1048-1062.

[20] Rahmani F., Khalfan M., Maqsood T. A conceptual model for selecting early contractor involvement (ECI) for a project. Buildings, 2022, 12(6): 786.

[21] Rane N. Integrating building information modelling (BIM) and artificial intelligence (AI) for smart construction schedule, cost, quality, and safety management: Challenges and opportunities. Cost, Quality, and Safety Management: Challenges and Opportunities, 2023.

[22] Kivilä J., Martinsuo M., Vuorinen L. Sustainable project management through project control in infrastructure projects. International Journal of Project Management, 2017, 35(6): 1167-1183.

[23] Viana M. L., Hadikusumo B. H., Mohammad M. Z., et al. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): An updated review and analysis case study. Journal of Engineering, Project & Production Management, 2020, 10(2).

[24] Eastman C. M. BIM handbook: A guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors. John Wiley & Sons, 2011.

[25] Wang Y., Wang Y., Yang Z., et al. A hybrid building information modeling and collaboration platform for automation system in smart construction. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 2024, 88: 80-90.

[26] Rahmani F. Challenges and opportunities in adopting early contractor involvement (ECI): Client’s perception. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 2021, 17(1-2): 67-76.

[27] Agostini L., Nosella A., Teshome M. B. Inter-organizational relationships: Toward a reconceptualization of constructs. Baltic Journal of Management, 2019, 14(3): 346-369.

[28] Espach J., Bekker M. C. Defining the relational charter for commercial project contracts. Procedia Computer Science, 2023, 219: 2051-2057.

[29] Davis P., Love P. Alliance contracting: Adding value through relationship development. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 2011, 18(5): 444-461.

[30] Beamish P. W., Lupton N. C. Managing joint ventures. Academy of Management Perspectives, 2009, 23(2): 75-94.

[31] Spickova M., Myskova R. Costs efficiency evaluation using life cycle costing as strategic method. Procedia Economics and Finance, 2015, 34: 337-343.

[32] Cegarra-Navarro J. G., Reverte C., Gómez-Melero E., et al. Linking social and economic responsibilities with financial performance: The role of innovation. European Management Journal, 2016, 34(5): 530-539.

[33] Abejide F. Exploring team performance, collaboration and their impact on project success. Cardiff Metropolitan University, 2024.

[34] Yang J. B., Lai T. H. Selecting EVM, ESM and EDM (t) for managing construction project schedule. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 2024, 31(12): 4988-5006.

[35] Tavana M., Soltanifar M., Santos-Arteaga F. J. Analytical hierarchy process: Revolution and evolution. Annals of Operations Research, 2023, 326(2): 879-907.

[36] Mukhametzyanov I. Specific character of objective methods for determining weights of criteria in MCDM problems: Entropy, CRITIC and SD. Decision Making: Applications in Management and Engineering, 2021, 4(2): 76-105.

[37] Kaplan R. S. Conceptual foundations of the balanced scorecard. Handbooks of Management Accounting Research, 2009, 3: 1253-1269.

[38] Council U. G. B. Leadership in energy and environmental design. Washington, DC: US Green Building Council, 2008. Available at: http://www.usgbc.org (Accessed November 2009).

[39] Agha A., Shibani A., Hassan D. H., et al. Building research establishment environmental assessment methodology on the UK residential projects. International Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2020, 9(6): 183-189.

[40] Kumaraswamy M. M. Innovative procurement and delivery approaches and digital aids. In Routledge Handbook of Construction Project Procurement and Delivery, 2024: 200-219. Routledge.

[41] Gherghina Ș. C., Botezatu M. A., Hosszu A., et al. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): The engine of economic growth through investments and innovation. Sustainability, 2020, 12(1): 347.

[42] Akter M. M. K., Haq U. N., Uddin M. A. Sustainable development and circular economy. In Waste Management in the Circular Economy, 2024: 133-152. Cham: Springer International Publishing.

[43] Sanchez B., Honic M., Leite F., et al. Augmenting materials passports to support disassembly planning based on building information modelling standards. Journal of Building Engineering, 2024, 90: 109083.

[44] Appelbaum S. H., Cameron A., Ensink F., et al. Factors that impact the success of an organizational change: A case study analysis. Industrial and Commercial Training, 2017, 49(5): 213-230.

[45] Aldoseri A., Al-Khalifa K. N., Hamouda A. M. A framework for building resilience through innovation and process optimization in AI-powered digital transformation. In Handbook of Digital Innovation, Transformation, and Sustainable Development in a Post-Pandemic Era, 2025: 3-33. CRC Press.

[46] Ambasht A. Real-time data integration and analytics: Empowering data-driven decision making. International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology, 2023, 71(7): 8-14.

[47] Akpobome O. The impact of emerging technologies on legal frameworks: A model for adaptive regulation. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024, 5(10): 5046-5060.

[48] Correa J. G. A., Alves J. L., Homrich A. S., et al. Evolving skillsets of architecture, engineering and construction sector: Unveiling the interplay between project management, BIM, strategic and operational skills. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 2025, 25(12): 4988-5006.

Downloads

Published

08-07-2025

How to Cite

Hong, H. (2025). Integrated Decision-Making in Aec-Em: Mechanisms, Pathways, And Value Enhancement. Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, 54, 191-201. https://doi.org/10.54097/41kz0v04