Building information modeling (BIM) has emerged as a pervasive and ubiquitous tool in the fields of construction and engineering. With BIM’s rise, so too has there been an explosion of research interest in BIM. Nevertheless, despite the prolific output of BIM-related publications, the cumulative theoretical and practical value of this body of research remains vague; alignment with current industry objectives and relevance to future global challenges remain unclear. This study systematically analyzes the current body of knowledge so far produced on BIM through a purely quantitative approach. Network analysis techniques are used to assess the status of research themes, cross-topic research, trends in topic concentration, and influence of outlets, as well as to map how research actors collaborate in creating knowledge on BIM. The results reveal that although 45 separate themes are closely associated with BIM literature, a further 15 relevant themes have been neglected. Moreover, much of the research is revealed to be increasingly self-referential, lacking in cross-disciplinary insights, and weak in theoretical rigor. This study contributes to the field generally, and to editorial boards of research journals in particular, by identifying the intellectual deficiencies in BIM research and skewed distribution of research output across BIM related topics, as well as priorities for future research in BIM.

Construction is a complex activity, characterized by high levels of capital investment, relatively long delivery durations, multitudinous risks and uncertainties, as well as requiring the integration of multiple skills delivering a huge volume of tasks and processes. All of these must be coordinated carefully if time, cost, and quality constraints are to be met. At the same time, construction is renowned for performing poorly regarding sustainability metrics. Construction activity generates high volumes of waste, requires vast amounts of resources and materials, while consuming a significant proportion of total energy generated. Digitalization of the construction workplace and construction activities has the potential of improving construction performance both in terms of business results as well as sustainability outcomes. This is because, to put it simply, reduced energy usage, for example, impacts economic and “green” performance, simultaneously. Firms tinkering with digitalization, however, do not always achieve the hoped-for outcomes. The challenge faced is that a digital transition of construction firms must be carried out at a strategic level—requiring a comprehensive change management protocol. What then does a digital strategy entail? This study puts forward an argument for the combined economic and sustainability dividends to be had from digitizing construction firm activities. It outlines the requirements for achieving digitalization. The elements of a comprehensive digitalization strategy are cataloged, while the various approaches to developing a digitalization strategy are discussed. This study offers practitioners a useful framework by which to consider their own firm-level efforts at digitalization transition.

Risk management is a key concern in public-private partnership (PPP) projects and the efficient allocation of risk remains problematic. Previous studies on PPP practices have documented the prevalence of inefficiency in risk allocation. Nevertheless, the nature of PPP risk misallocation has not been quantitatively described and verified. This study examines risk allocation in the Chinese water sector as it supports the highest number of PPP projects. Based on the expertise of 32 senior practitioners, statistical analysis is used to contrast where risks ought to lie in order to maximize risk mitigation efficiency with where such risks actually lie. The results confirm that current risk allocation practices are far from ideal, with the implication that current practices play a significant role in project failure. Details within the data provide insight into how practitioners should modify current risk allocation practices to better achieve risk management optimization. The lesson learned from this study can be transferred to projects in other emerging PPP markets.

This study develops an integrated model of the main contextual factors that affect sustainable delivery of megaprojects in Iran. The inputs to the model are based on a comprehensive literature review affecting the “triple bottom line” of sustainability, as measured in economic, environmental, and social costs. Innovation diffusion theory and extralogical laws of imitation inform the theoretical points of departure. The model inputs were customized for the context of Iran, and a structural equation model was developed, using data collected from 101 survey questionnaires. The findings identify a wide range of factors that directly impact megaproject sustainability, and these may be used by policymakers and practitioners within the Iranian construction industry to better manage sustainability outcomes. Principally, megaprojects would benefit from (1) the generation of sustainability awareness at the evaluation phase, (2) tackling corruption at the preparation phase, and (3) consolidating responsible project management practices at the usage phase. Moreover, these lessons may be more broadly applicable across the entire construction supply chain in Iran, as well as being transferable to other developing countries.