This article aims to identify design-construction interface problems and their causes in design-build projects to present solutions to resolve these problems. Accordingly, through a qualitative multiple–case study approach in four Iranian design-build projects, 26 problems were identified, some of the most important of which are too much employer interference in design and construction, poor planning and scheduling, and poor decision making by employers. Knowing the causes and their causation, which are related to all project phases, can help practitioners consider them and avoid their unfavorable consequences in future projects, improve the interface integration, and make better decisions that can potentially enhance project performance. In addition, the problems were prioritized to determine the top 10 problems. Eventually, the experts recommended 10 solutions according to the most important causes and two main root causes, including poor public culture and misunderstanding of the design-build term. In conclusion, it is worth bearing in mind that this study opens a new perspective in exploring the root causes of design-construction interface problems.

Purpose: This paper presents a pioneering investigation into the barriers impeding the adoption of reverse logistics (RL) in the Iranian construction industry, addressing a significant gap in the current literature within the country. Design/methodology/approach: Through a meticulous examination of the literature, complemented by 19 in-depth interviews, a battery of barriers to RL implementation was initially identified, distilled into a final set of 30 barriers, which served as the basis for the design of a structured survey questionnaire. Employing Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), an analysis was conducted on a dataset that comprised of 80 responses. Subsequently, the barriers approved through the PLS- SEM were subjected to prioritization through the application of Fuzzy TOPSIS. Findings: Findings reveal the critical inadequacy of contemporary technology and infrastructure, a foundation essential for the efficacious enactment of RL. This shortfall manifests in procurement and logistics processes plagued by inefficiency and ineffectiveness, as consequences of an immature information and technology ecosystem. Furthermore, the study underscores the dominance of traditional markets where the adoption of secondary materials/products remains sporadic, signaling a crucial area for further research and intervention. Originality/value: This study offers original insights into the significant hurdles that hinder the adoption and integration of RL practices within the Iranian construction industry, an under-explored area within the RL research domain. For industry practitioners, findings point to recommendations for overcoming these barriers in the specific Iranian context while also offering broader insights and lessons that may be relevant to other countries and similar contexts.

Financing oil, gas, and petrochemical industry projects, as a critical pillar of economic growth and development, requires a transparent and effective mechanism. The objective of the present study is to design a financial model for oil, gas, and petrochemical industry projects based on a corporate governance approach. This research is exploratory in nature and adopts a qualitative methodology. The study was conducted through interviews with 15 experts in the field. A snowball sampling method was employed for data collection, and the extracted data from documents and interviews were categorized and analyzed using thematic analysis. Ultimately, 60 initial codes, 17 basic themes, and 7 organizing themes were identified. The organizing themes include: the role of banks in supporting energy projects, banking and credit policies and regulations for the energy sector, bank facilities available for oil, gas, and petrochemical projects, risk management in energy projects, credit evaluation indicators for energy-oriented companies, financing challenges in the oil and gas industry, and stability and sustainability of energy-based companies. Finally, the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method was used to derive the final model. The proposed model can ultimately serve as a strategic framework for policymakers, financial institutions, and energy industry managers to improve the financing process through a transparent, accountable, and sustainable approach.