Applying design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) principles in the construction industry has gained attention in recent years. Studies convey that the application of DfMA in construction projects can significantly enhance overall productivity. However, the literature on construction-oriented DfMA is still limited, and its application in real-life projects has been stifled due to various constraints. Following a design science research method, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify the construction-oriented DfMA implementation challenges. To address these challenges, a construction-oriented DfMA framework was theorized, verified in a project-based context, and validated through focus group discussions with off-site construction industry experts. In this study, 45 challenges were identified and categorized into eight main constraint categories: contractual, technological, procedural, cultural, commercial, geographical, financial, and technical/cognitive. The foremost challenges to the adoption of DfMA in construction projects seems to relate to the contractual and operational aspects and their associated stakeholders. This study provides insight into the challenges of implementing DfMA in the construction industry. The investigated challenges contribute to the theoretical and practice-based checklists of limitations for implementing DfMA methods and can inform future research. Finally, this paper introduces a framework for implementing DfMA and provides supporting field-based evidence for its application.

Integrated project delivery (IPD) has attracted considerable attention in recent years, however only a few review studies captured the dynamic and evolving nature of this topic. The purpose of this study is to review the most recent IPD publications, in order to shed light on future research. Using a systematic review methodology, the study aims to synthesize the current IPD literature, and frame the latest research and development in this domain. A systematic review is conducted to identify the current state-of-the-art of IPD research and the latest research themes and trends in this domain. A bibliometric analysis is performed to explain characteristics of screened articles, and through a thematic analysis the latest themes and trends are recognized. In this study, based on IPD characteristics (contractual-regulative, operational-cognitive and organizational-structural), research themes (legal, commercial, technological, procedural, cultural and structural), sub-themes and their associated trends are identified. The latest emerging trends are mostly related to the contractual characteristics of IPD, and are focused on the combination of IPD with new business models and developing contractual guidelines for promoting IPD applications in off-site and on-site construction projects. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by synthesizing the state of the art of IPD in construction literature and exposing the latest research trends in this area. A theoretical framework of integration in an IPD context is developed, based on the literature. Finally, future areas of studies are discussed.

Purpose: According to the construction literature, the number of projects applying integrated project delivery (IPD) principles is expected to increase in the new-normal era. However, given that the pandemic is not yet fully over, accurate and measurable data are not yet available. Also, there is a lack of empirical studies that could provide guidelines as to the application of IPD principles at the various stages of construction projects. Thus, the goal of this paper is to address this knowledge gap through case studies.Design/methodology/approach: This paper follows a multi-step research methodology, namely, a literature review, case study and focus group discussions in the context of Canadian construction projects.Findings: Based on the conducted literature review and focus group discussions, the authors identified: (1) new challenges in the various stages of the construction projects' life cycle, (2) their related proximity aspects (technological, organizational, geographical and cognitive) and (3) IPD principles that can address the identified challenges within their associated proximities. The results show that IPD relational principles can improve a project's organizational and cognitive proximities, while IPD digital integrative principles can enhance a project's geographical and technological proximities.Originality/value: This study contributes to the theoretical checklists of challenges that the construction industry has experienced since the beginning of the pandemic, and to the practical guidelines of implementation of IPD principles to meet these challenges. The conducted case studies are timely and relevant, and their results provide new insights for key project stakeholders into the application of IPD to tackle new-normal challenges based on their proximity perspectives.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to analyze the interactions among different governance layers – metagovernance, governance of networks and network governance – within the governmental public infrastructure (GPI). Specifically, it focuses on the development and implementation of a collaboration performance indicator. The study aims to understand how this indicator can serve as a tool for enhancing governance processes and outcomes in complex public infrastructure projects, examining its influence on policy, strategy, and operational levels and assessing its impact on enhancing collaborative governance. Design/methodology/approach: This study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating both action research (AR) and intervention research (IR). Over a span of five years, 12 cycles of AR were conducted to explore the dynamics of multi-level governance at a GPI. This methodological blend allows for in-depth analysis of both process and outcome, facilitating real-time adjustments and improvements in governance strategies. The research emphasizes the practical application of theoretical concepts to understand the interaction of governance layers in public infrastructure settings. Findings: Preliminary findings indicate that the implementation of the collaboration performance indicator at a GPI has been successful, demonstrating effective metagovernance application and facilitating significant institutional changes. These changes, driven by high-level directives, reflect the adaptability and impact of governance networks. The study illustrates a nuanced balance between autonomous action and adherence to overarching governance strategies, termed as the equilibrium between Type I and Type II governance. Additionally, the research highlights the role of stakeholder interventions in adapting governance practices to evolving project needs and contexts. Originality/value: This study provides novel insights into the application of multi-level governance in public infrastructure projects, particularly through the lens of a newly developed collaboration performance indicator. It showcases the original integration of AR and IR methods to study governance, offering a unique perspective on the dynamic interactions between different governance layers. The research highlights the value of such indicators in driving metasolidarity and fostering institutional change, contributing significantly to the theoretical and practical understanding of governance in complex project environments.

Construction sites contain vast amounts of information. Recent advances in image-based visualization techniques enable monitoring construction progress using interactive and visual approaches. Photographs capture construction information in great detail while allowing the user to absorb as much information as they need. Construction as-built images captures great detail yet excludes portions of the site which may become of interest to the project participants. To overcome limitations of existing image-based monitoring techniques, this research focuses on an image-based virtual walk-through visualization approach to monitor construction sites. The use of a 3D model to create a virtual walk-through enables a comprehensive record and delivers the information in an intuitive manner. A pilot study is conducted to create several as-built 3D models from construction photographs. Then these 3D models are visualized in a 3D walk-through model. Within such an environment, the as-built construction objects are visualized to generate the status of construction progress. The study shows that this 3D image-based walk-through system introduces an advanced model that enables the user to have a realistic understanding of the construction site.