Share:


Bayesian belief network-based project complexity measurement considering causal relationships

    Lan Luo Affiliation
    ; Limao Zhang Affiliation
    ; Guangdong Wu Affiliation

Abstract

This research proposes a Bayesian belief network-based approach to measure the project complexity in the construction industry. Firstly, project complexity nodes are identified for model development based on the literature review. Secondly, the project complexity measurement model is developed with 225 training samples and validated with 20 test samples. Thirdly, the developed measurement model is utilized to conduct model analytics for sequential decision making, which includes predictive, diagnostic, sensitivity, and influence chain analysis. Finally, EXPO 2010 is used to testify the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach. Results indicate that (1) more attention should be paid on technological complexity, information complexity, and task complexity in the process of complexity management; (2) the proposed measurement model can be applied into practice to predict the complexity level for a specific project. The uniqueness of this study lies in developing project complexity measurement model (PCMM) with the cause-effect relationships taken into account. This research contributes to (a) the state of knowledge by proposing a method that is capable of measuring the complexity level under what-if scenarios for complexity management, and (b) the state of practice by providing insights into a better understanding of causal relationships among influencing factors of complexity in construction projects.

Keyword : project complexity measurement model (PCMM), Bayesian belief network, sensitivity analysis, influence chain analysis

How to Cite
Luo, L., Zhang, L., & Wu, G. (2020). Bayesian belief network-based project complexity measurement considering causal relationships. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 26(2), 200-215. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2020.11930
Published in Issue
Feb 21, 2020
Abstract Views
2090
PDF Downloads
1021
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

References

An, Y., Rogers, J., Kingsley, G., Matisoff, D. C., Mistur, E., & Ashuri, B. (2018). Influence of task complexity in shaping environmental review and engineering design durations. Journal of Management in Engineering, 34(6), 04018043. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000649

Applegate, C. J., & Tien, I. (2018). Framework for probabilistic vulnerability analysis of interdependent infrastructure systems. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 33(1), 04018058. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000801

Baccarini, D. (1996). The concept of project complexity – a review. International Journal of Project Management, 14(4), 201–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/0263-7863(95)00093-3

Bakhshi, J., Ireland, V., & Gorod, A. (2016). Clarifying the project complexity construct: Past, present and future. International Journal of Project Management, 34(7), 1199–1213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2016.06.002

Berger, J. O. (2013). Statistical decision theory and Bayesian analysis. Springer Science & Business Media.

Bosch-Rekveldt, M. G. C. (2011). Managing project complexity: A study into adapting early project phases to improve project performance in large engineering projects. Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands.

Bosch-Rekveldt, M., Jongkind, Y., Mooi, H., Bakker, H., & Verbraeck, A. (2011). Grasping project complexity in large engineering projects: The TOE (Technical, Organizational and Environmental) framework. International Journal of Project Management, 29(6), 728–739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2010.07.008

Coenen, J., Van der Heijden, R. E., & van Riel, A. C. (2018). Understanding approaches to complexity and uncertainty in closed-loop supply chain management: Past findings and future directions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 201, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.07.216

Cooper, G. F., & Herskovits, E. (1992). A Bayesian method for the induction of probabilistic networks from data. Machine Learning, 9(4), 309–347. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00994110

Diallo, T. M., Henry, S., Ouzrout, Y., & Bouras, A. (2018). Databased fault diagnosis model using a Bayesian causal analysis framework. International Journal of Information Technology & Decision Making, 17(2), 583–620. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219622018500025

Dikmen, I., Budayan, C., Talat Birgonul, M., & Hayat, E. (2018). Effects of risk attitude and controllability assumption on risk ratings: Observational study on international construction project risk assessment. Journal of Management in Engineering, 34(6), 04018037. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000643

Ellinas, C., Allan, N., & Johansson, A. (2018). Toward project complexity evaluation: A structural perspective. IEEE Systems Journal, 12(1), 228–239. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSYST.2016.2562358

Gao, N., Chen, Y., Wang, W., & Wang, Y. (2018). Addressing project complexity: The role of contractual functions. Journal of Management in Engineering, 34(3), 04018011. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000613

Girmscheid, G., & Brockmann, C. (2008). The inherent complexity of large scale engineering projects. Project Perspectives, 29, 22–26.

Gransberg, D. D., Shane, J. S., Strong, K., & del Puerto, C. L. (2012). Project complexity mapping in five dimensions for complex transportation projects. Journal of Management in Engineering, 29(4), 316–326. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000163

He, Q., Luo, L., Hu, Y., & Chan, A. P. (2015). Measuring the complexity of mega construction projects in China – A fuzzy analytic network process analysis. International Journal of Project Management, 33(3), 549–563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.07.009

Hwang, B.-G., Shan, M., & Looi, K.-Y. (2018). Key constraints and mitigation strategies for prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction. Journal of Cleaner Production, 183, 183–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.02.136

Jarkas, A. M. (2017). Contractors’ perspective of construction project complexity: Definitions, principles, and relevant contributors. Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice, 143(4), 04017007. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EI.1943-5541.0000337

Lebcir, R. M., & Choudrie, J. (2011). A dynamic model of the effects of project complexity on time to complete construction projects. International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology, 2(6), 477–483.

Lessard, D., Sakhrani, V., & Miller, R. (2014). House of project complexity – understanding complexity in large infrastructure projects. Engineering Project Organization Journal, 4(4), 170–192. https://doi.org/10.1080/21573727.2014.907151

Lu, Y., Luo, L., Wang, H., Le, Y., & Shi, Q. (2015). Measurement model of project complexity for large-scale projects from task and organization perspective. International Journal of Project Management, 33(3), 610–622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.12.005

Luo, L., He, Q., Xie, J., Yang, D., & Wu, G. (2016). Investigating the relationship between project complexity and success in complex construction projects. Journal of Management in Engineering, 33(2), 04016036. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000471

Luo, L., He, Q., Jaselskis, E. J., & Xie, J. (2017). Construction project complexity: research trends and implications. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 143(7), 04017019. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001306

Ma, X., Xiong, F., Olawumi, T. O., Dong, N., & Chan, A. P. (2018). Conceptual framework and roadmap approach for integrating BIM into lifecycle project management. Journal of Management in Engineering, 34(6), 05018011. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000647

Maylor, H., Vidgen, R., & Carver, S. (2008). Managerial complexity in project-based operations: A grounded model and its implications for practice. Project Management Journal, 39(S1), S15–S26. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.20057

Mihm, J., Loch, C., & Huchzermeier, A. (2003). Problem-solving oscillations in complex engineering projects. Management Science, 49(6), 733–750. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.49.6.733.16021

Nguyen, A. T., Nguyen, L. D., Le-Hoai, L., & Dang, C. N. (2015). Quantifying the complexity of transportation projects using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. International Journal of Project Management, 33(6), 1364–1376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.02.007

Owens, J., Ahn, J., Shane, J. S., Strong, K. C., & Gransberg, D. D. (2012). Defining complex project management of large US transportation projects: A comparative case study analysis. Public Works Management & Policy, 17(2), 170–188. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087724X11419306

Pan, Y., Zhang, L., Li, Z., & Ding, L. (2019). Improved fuzzy Bayesian network-based risk analysis with interval-valued fuzzy sets and DS evidence theory. IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems. https://doi.org/10.1109/TFUZZ.2019.2929024

Puddicombe, M. S. (2011). Novelty and technical complexity: Critical constructs in capital projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 138(5), 613–620. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000459

Qazi, A., Quigley, J., Dickson, A., & Kirytopoulos, K. (2016). Project complexity and risk management (ProCRiM): Towards modelling project complexity driven risk paths in construction projects. International Journal of Project Management, 34(7), 1183–1198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2016.05.008

Qureshi, S. M., & Kang, C. (2015). Analysing the organizational factors of project complexity using structural equation modelling. International Journal of Project Management, 33(1), 165–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.04.006

Remington, K., & Pollack, J. (2016). Tools for complex projects. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315591810

Remington, K., Zolin, R., & Turner, R. (2009). A model of project complexity: distinguishing dimensions of complexity from severity. In Proceedings of the 9th International Research Network of Project Management Conference, Berlin, Germany.

Santana, G. (1990). Classification of construction projects by scales of complexity. International Journal of Project Management, 8(2), 102–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/0263-7863(90)90044-C

Shafiei-Monfared, S., & Jenab, K. (2012). A novel approach for complexity measure analysis in design projects. Journal of Engineering Design, 23(3), 185–194. https://doi.org/10.1080/09544828.2011.554389

Sinha, S., Kumar, B., & Thomson, A. (2006). Measuring project complexity: a project manager’s tool. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 2(3), 187–202. https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2006.9684615

Tatikonda, M. V., & Rosenthal, S. R. (2000). Technology novelty, project complexity, and product development project execution success: a deeper look at task uncertainty in product innovation. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 47(1), 74–87. https://doi.org/10.1109/17.820727

Thomas, J., & Mengel, T. (2008). Preparing project managers to deal with complexity – Advanced project management education. International Journal of Project Management, 26(3), 304–315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2008.01.001

Vehtari, A., Gelman, A., & Gabry, J. (2017). Practical Bayesian model evaluation using leave-one-out cross-validation and WAIC. Statistics and Computing, 27(5), 1413–1432. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11222-016-9696-4

Vidal, L.-A., & Marle, F. (2008). Understanding project complexity: implications on project management. Kybernetes, 37(8), 1094–1110. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920810884928

Vidal, L.-A., Marle, F., & Bocquet, J.-C. (2011a). Measuring project complexity using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. International Journal of Project Management, 29(6), 718–727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2010.07.005

Vidal, L., Marle, F., & Bocquet, J. (2011b). Using a Delphi process and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate the complexity of projects. Expert Systems with Applications, 38(5), 5388–5405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2010.10.016

Wallner, H. P. (1999). Towards sustainable development of industry: networking, complexity and eco-clusters. Journal of Cleaner Production, 7(1), 49–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0959-6526(98)00036-5

Wang, L., & Zhang, X. (2018). Bayesian analytics for estimating risk probability in PPP waste-to-energy projects. Journal of Management in Engineering, 34(6), 04018047. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000658

Wang, Y., Zhang, X., & Wang, Z. (2018). A proactive decision support system for online event streams. International Journal of Information Technology & Decision Making, 17(6), 1891–1913. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219622018500463

Wee, Y. Y., Cheah, W. P., Tan, S. C., & Wee, K. (2015). A method for root cause analysis with a Bayesian belief network and fuzzy cognitive map. Expert Systems with Applications, 42(1), 468–487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2014.06.037

Williams, T. M. (1999). The need for new paradigms for complex projects. International Journal of Project Management, 17(5), 269–273. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0263-7863(98)00047-7

Wu, X., Liu, H., Zhang, L., Skibniewski, M. J., Deng, Q., & Teng, J. (2015). A dynamic Bayesian network based approach to safety decision support in tunnel construction. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 134, 157–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2014.10.021

Xia, B., & Chan, A. P. (2012). Measuring complexity for building projects: a Delphi study. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 19(1), 7–24. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699981211192544

Yukalov, V. I., & Sornette, D. (2015). Role of information in decision making of social agents. International Journal of Information Technology & Decision Making, 14(5), 1129–1166. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219622014500564

Zhang, L., Wu, X., Skibniewski, M. J., Zhong, J., & Lu, Y. (2014). Bayesian-network-based safety risk analysis in construction projects. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 131, 29–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2014.06.006

Zhang, L., Wu, X., Qin, Y., Skibniewski, M. J., & Liu, W. (2016). Towards a fuzzy Bayesian network based approach for safety risk analysis of tunnel – Induced pipeline damage. Risk Analysis, 36(2), 278–301. https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.12448

Zhu, J., & Mostafavi, A. (2017). Discovering complexity and emergent properties in project systems: A new approach to understanding project performance. International Journal of Project Management, 35(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2016.10.004