Achieving Sustainable Transdisciplinary Research in Construction Project Management
A Novel Bibliometric Approach to Reviewing Literature for Theory
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31224/3550Keywords:
Bibliometric analysis, Cointegrating theory, Construction project management, Co-Theory, Model of Transdisciplinarity, Project Management, Environmental Science, Social Science, Energy, Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine and Health Sciences, Earth and Planetary Science, Economics, Decision Science, Business Management, Built environmentAbstract
This study introduces a novel bibliometric model to enhance the integration and application of interdisciplinary theories in construction project management (CPM), focusing on sustainability. Utilizing bibliometric methods and tools such as VOSviewer, the research systematically identifies and maps interdisciplinary intersections in CPM. Grounded in pragmatism, the study emphasizes practical applications of theoretical insights and diverse perspectives to address real-world problems. The analysis highlights dominant sources like Sustainability Switzerland and Energies, and leading institutions such as Delft University of Technology and University of Johannesburg, which contribute significantly to sustainable construction literature. Prolific authors including Wang N., Aranda-Usón A., and Yuan J. frequently employ theories like Governmentality Theory, Lean Theory, and Ecological Modernisation Theory, demonstrating their impact on advancing theoretical and practical knowledge. The findings reveal a reliance on established theories to address sustainability issues and underscore the need for more structured theoretical approaches in future research. Despite notable contributions, there is a gap in the systematic application of theoretical frameworks, necessitating a rigorous theoretical foundation for empirical investigations. A thematic analysis of 41 documents showcases the varied application of theoretical frameworks and their implications for transdisciplinary research. The results highlight the importance of theory in providing structured frameworks for analysis, fostering interdisciplinary integration, and enhancing predictive power. The study advocates for promoting theory-driven research, developing comprehensive theoretical models, and enhancing bibliometric tools for 'co-theory' analysis. These steps aim to foster innovative solutions and sustainable practices in construction, ensuring theoretical advancements effectively contribute to sustainable development goals. This research underscores the critical role of theory in addressing the complex challenges of sustainable CPM.
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Author Biographies
Malcolm Weaich, University of Witwatersrand
Malcolm Weaich
Sustainability Innovator | Researcher | Quantity Surveyor
Malcolm Weaich is a distinguished quantity surveyor and sustainability innovator with over 12 years of experience in the construction industry. Based in Durban, South Africa, Malcolm is known for providing expert advice on financial and contractual matters related to built environment projects. He currently serves as a Project Quantity Surveyor and Feasibility Specialist at Weaich Quantity Surveyors (Pty) Ltd, where he manages project financials, supply chain, tender negotiations, and project change management.
Malcolm's academic background includes the persuit of a PhD and an MSc in Quantity Surveying from the University of the Witwatersrand, with a focus on sustainable development in urban infrastructure. He also holds a BSc (Honours) in Quantity Surveying from the same university, a Bachelor of Technology in Quantity Surveying, and a National Diploma in Building Engineering from the Durban University of Technology. His educational pursuits are further complemented by a series of publications.
In addition to his professional role, Malcolm is a part-time lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he imparts practical knowledge and real-world insights to students in the Department of Construction Economics and Management. He is passionate about sustainable development and has received several honors and awards, including the Best Overall Under 35 Award of the Year and the Golden Spade Award.
Malcolm's expertise spans various areas including construction project management, business ethics, and peer review of scientific research. He is proficient in industry-specific software such as CostX, WinQS, and Candy, enhancing his ability to deliver projects efficiently and within budget.
Prisca Simbanegavi, University of Witwatersrand, School of Construction Economics and Management
Prisca Simbanegavi, PhD
Senior Lecturer
School of Construction Economics and Management, University of Witwatersrand,
University of Witwatersrand
prisca.simbanegavi@wits.ac.za
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7238-3731
Research focus: Real estate, urban economics & the built environment.
Dr. Prisca Simbanegavi is a distinguished Specialist Researcher and Advisor in real estate and the built environment at large. Her academic credentials are robust, having earned a PhD in Real Estate in 2019 from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. She holds a BSc (Honors) in Economics from University of Zimbabwe, a BCom (Honours) in Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management from University of Cape Town and a Master of Science in Real Estate Management from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden. Dr. Simbanegavi is committed to advancing research in the areas of real estate, urban economics & the built environment. She prefers to work within the African continent, contributing her extensive expertise in addressing crucial developmental needs of her continent. At University of Witwatersrand, she lectures courses that include urban economics, property management, real estate asset management, real estate finance & real estate market analysis. She is the current Program Coordinator for popular Masters in Real Estate Development and Management at the university. Most students attest to her prolific research supervision skills at masters and PhD student levels.
Pride Ndlovu, University of Witwatersrand, School of Construction Economics and Management
Dr. Pride Ndlovu is a distinguished researcher focused on enhancing cross-border collaboration in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specialising in knowledge transfer between international and local firms, Dr. Ndlovu's work promotes regional development and innovation. Her expertise is pivotal in building sustainable partnerships and fostering economic growth across the continent.
David Root, University of Witwatersrand, School of Construction Economics and Management
Professor David Root was the Head of School at the University of Witwatersrand’s School of Construction Economics and Management. Until 2011 he was Associate Professor and previously Senior Lecturer in the Department of Construction Economics and Management at the University of Cape Town which he joined in 2003. He originally trained as a Building Surveyor working in both private practice and a variety of public and private sector client organisations in the UK before entering academia. David holds an Honours degree in Building Surveying from the University of Salford, and an MSc and PhD degrees in Construction Management from the University of Bath. He undertook post doctoral research at the University of Loughborough’s Department of Civil and Building Engineering in the area of design management and supply chain management working with companies such as AMEC and their supply chain partners. He is a Chartered Builder and a Chartered Surveyor and is registered with the SACPCMP as a Construction Project Manager in South Africa.
Tanya Kaur Bedi, Indian Institute of Technology, Department of Architecture and Regional Planning
Tanya Kaur Bedi
Researcher | Architect | Environmental Planner
Tanya Kaur Bedi is an accomplished researcher and architect with a strong focus on environmental planning and sustainable development. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, she brings extensive experience from her doctoral research at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and her previous academic roles.
Tanya's educational background includes a Master of Planning in Environmental Planning from the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, and a Bachelor of Architecture from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology. She is a recipient of the B.Arch Gold Medal and has won the NOSplan Competition for her innovative retrofitting design in Jhansi City.
Her expertise encompasses peer reviews, article writing, and conducting significant research in areas such as sustainable waste management, climate change adaptation, and indoor air quality assessment. Tanya's contributions to the field are well-documented through her numerous publications and presentations at academic conferences.
With a keen interest in integrating sustainable practices into urban planning and architecture, Tanya is dedicated to advancing the field through both her academic and professional endeavors. Connect with Tanya to explore her work and potential collaborations in sustainable urban development.
Adrah Niccolo Parafiniuk, Northern Arizona University, Department of Politics and International Affairs
Adrah Parafiniuk
Sustainability and Energy Author | University Teacher | Speaker
Adrah Parafiniuk is a distinguished educator and author with a strong expertise in sustainability and energy transitions. He currently serves as a full-time instructor at Northern Arizona University, where he has been shaping minds since 2011. Adrah is deeply committed to integrating sustainability practices within educational institutions and businesses.
With a robust academic background, Adrah holds degrees in History, Spanish, Sustainability, and Teaching. He is on track to complete her PhD in Environmental Politics and Sustainability in 2024. His research focuses on the motivations behind sustainable behavior, sustainable housing, and the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Adrah has made significant contributions to the field through his publications in sustainability journals and his forthcoming book titled "Energy Resource Conflict." His work emphasizes practical steps towards achieving sustainability and has been instrumental in advancing discussions on environmental politics and sustainable practices.
In addition to his teaching and writing, Adrah is a sought-after speaker, known for his engaging presentations on sustainability and energy issues. His dedication to sustainability education is evident in his extensive experience and ongoing efforts to drive positive environmental change.
Connect with Adrah to learn more about his work and explore opportunities for collaboration in sustainability and energy transitions.
Benedikt Latos, The Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe, Department of Economics
Professor of Production Management | Expert in Operational Excellence
Benedikt Latos is a seasoned professional in production management and operational excellence, currently serving as a Professor at the Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe (TH OWL). His academic and professional journey is distinguished by a blend of extensive research and hands-on industry experience.
Benedikt earned his Doctorate in Engineering (Dr.-Ing.) and both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Mechanical Engineering from RWTH Aachen University. His academic prowess is further highlighted by several honors, including the Borchers Plaque, Walter-Rohmert Research Prize, and the Springorum Commemorative Medal.
In his recent role at Miele, Benedikt was pivotal in driving digital transformation and operational excellence within the organization. His contributions included process consulting, digital twin coordination, and managing change across the Miele Production System. Prior to this, he led various industry and research projects at the Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAW) at RWTH Aachen University.
Benedikt’s certifications in REFA basic certificate, professional Scrum Master, Six Sigma Green Belt, and MTM (Methods-Time Measurement) underline his commitment to continuous improvement and methodological rigor in production and operations.
Connect with Benedikt to explore his contributions to production management and operational excellence, and to discuss potential collaborations in these areas.
Yewande Adewunmi, University of Witwatersrand, School of Construction Economics and Management
Dr. Yewande Adewunmi is a highly qualified estate management professional with a PhD from the University of Lagos, and MSc and BSc degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. She holds associate membership with the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers and is a registered estate surveyor and valuer. Additionally, Dr. Adewunmi is an active member of both the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and the South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA).
Her extensive consulting experience spans facilities management for organisations in Nigeria and the UK. Dr. Adewunmi currently serves as the programme coordinator for Facilities Management in her institution and is recognised as a Y rated NRF researcher. Her research interests are diverse and include Facilities Management, Benchmarking, Sustainability, and Post Occupancy Evaluation, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in these critical areas.
Marta Ferreira Dias, Universidade de Aveiro
Marta Ferreira Dias
Researcher | Associate Professor | EU Project Leader
Marta Ferreira Dias is a distinguished researcher and associate professor at the University of Aveiro, where she also leads various EU-funded projects within the GOVCOPP research unit. With over two decades of experience in higher education, Marta has significantly contributed to the fields of economics and sustainability.
Marta holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics from the University of Warwick, as well as a Master's degree and an undergraduate degree in Economics from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Coimbra. Her academic journey is marked by her dedication to research and teaching, having served as a researcher and lecturer at the University of Aveiro since 2001.
Her expertise includes research, higher education, and teaching, making her a valuable asset to both her students and colleagues. Marta's leadership in EU projects underscores her ability to manage and drive forward complex, interdisciplinary research initiatives aimed at addressing pressing economic and environmental challenges.
Connect with Marta to explore her research work, academic contributions, and potential collaborations in economics and sustainable development.
Gloria Schmitz, Northeastern University
Gloria Schmitz
Sustainability and Environmental Analyst | Data Visualization Specialist
Gloria Schmitz is a dedicated sustainability and environmental analyst, with a robust focus on data visualization and the intersection of climate change and population health. Currently based in Boston, Massachusetts, Gloria is actively involved in teaching and research at Northeastern University, where she also pursued her PhD in Public Policy and Urban Affairs.
Her academic interests lie in integrating circular economies and zero waste production systems with renewable energy technologies. Gloria's work involves leveraging machine learning algorithms to create interactive data visualizations and maps, making complex technical information accessible to practitioners, scholars, and the public. She has contributed to several significant projects, including a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant examining renewable energy transitions in Puerto Rico.
In addition to her research, Gloria has substantial teaching experience, having taught courses in computational statistics and machine learning using R statistical software. She has also served as a graduate research assistant in urban and public policy, focusing on various sustainability initiatives.
Gloria's certifications include ACE Group Fitness Instructor and Teaching with Academic Technology. Her skills in project management, environmental sustainability, and R programming further enhance her contributions to the field.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Malcolm Roy Weaich, Prisca Simbanegavi, Pride Ndlovu, David Root, Tanya Kaur Bedi, Adrah Niccolo Parafiniuk, Benedikt Latos, Yewande Adewunmi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
