Programme management has received an increased interest in the real estate construction sector. However, there is still ambiguity surrounding its definition and practices, and, as a result, the benefits of programme management remain unleveraged. Therefore, this research examined how public clients can leverage the benefits of programme management better within execution programmes to ensure construction projects contribute to programme delivery.

The research involved qualitative research consisting of an in-depth literature review, exploratory interviews, a multi-case study and an expert session. First, a literature review was executed to develop a conceptual framework. After that, ten exploratory interviews were conducted to familiarise with the public client organisation and to select two execution programmes within the organisation for the case study. The case study involved a document analysis for which an added six exploratory interviews were conducted to obtain a more holistic view of the cases. After this, eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted which were equally divided over the two case studies. The semi-structured interviews were with programme managers, stakeholders involved in the procurement process/contract management, project managers, and contractors. Lastly, the results of the semi-structured interviews were presented and discussed in an expert session with four programme manager experts.

The literature review resulted in a conceptual framework, which showed the importance and the embeddedness of benefits management in programme management. Despite that, the results of the empirical research did not show an explicit application of benefits management in the cases. Programme stakeholders, however, recognized the benefits of programme management. They mostly highlighted benefits related to efficiency and effectivity, including governance, resource, and learning benefits. The strategic benefits were less strongly recognized in the cases, particularly with stakeholders at the project level. Next to this, the research showed that benefits occur with specific interactions: governance and resource benefits arise from programme to project, and learning benefits occur both from project to programme and project to project. The research also showed barriers in realising these benefits. These barriers were presented to four experts in an expert session. Each of the presented barriers were recognized by at least two experts. Next to the barriers, the empirical research found various drivers for overcoming these barriers and further enhancing the realization of programme benefits.

In conclusion, the research showed that efficiency-related benefits can be leveraged through applying the drivers that foster the synergetic relationship between learning, on the one hand, and the governance and management of resources, on the other. However, more research is needed on how the strategic benefits of programme management can be leveraged as well.
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Project culture has recently received increased attention in literature and has been recognised as a potential influence on, or indicator of, project performance and success. However, no literature was identified which connects the concept of project culture to assessment practice. This research therefore explores how project culture could be incorporated in assessment tools.

To this end, a conceptualisation of project culture is established based on dimensions of the concept that are broadly supported in literature. Project culture is conceptualised as an overarching concept which encompasses a multitude of elements. These elements can originate from project culture levels or be unique to the project and correspond to layers of project culture. Within this conceptualisation, the research focusses on project culture values, which constitute one of these layers. The layer encompasses both espoused or stated values and inferred or enacted values. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify project culture values in recent literature.

The Infrastructure Project Assessment Tool (IPAT) is a holistic assessment tool used in large European infrastructure projects. Through directed qualitative document analysis, the IPAT framework and recent assessment outcomes were analysed to identify inclusions of the project culture values established in the literature review. These values were frequently reflected in the framework and reports, but their inclusion was generally indirect and inconsistent. This suggests that project culture is already considered in assessment practice, although it is not supported by a clear conceptualisation or systematic assessment approach.

A survey among project professionals was conducted to explore how project culture values are perceived first-hand in practice. For each project culture value, a scale was provided between two extremes relating to the value. The respondents were asked to indicate the stated prioritisation and prioritisation in practice in a selected project, as well as the prioritisation they would consider to be ideal. Consensus among the respondents was observed through clustering of responses in the ideal section regarding multiple project culture values. At the same time, the responses indicated that project culture is not homogeneous by dispersed answers regarding the same project. The project culture was perceived differently by respondents corresponding to the same project.

By synthesising the gathered insights, preliminary recommendations were constructed, which were evaluated and refined by a group of experts. These experts were experienced with multiple holistic assessment tools, including the IPAT and experienced in large European infrastructure projects. Following the focus group, an initial approach was constructed on how to incorporate project culture in assessment tools, consisting of three parts: how to conceptualise project culture in assessment tools, how to identify project culture during assessments and what to assess regarding project culture in assessment tools. The aim is to determine whether sufficient alignment is present to enable successful project delivery. Due to the exploratory nature of the research and the lack of practical validation, the approach should be regarded as an initial contribution that requires further testing and refinement.
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Public construction projects take place in dynamic multi-actor environments in which uncertainty, changing conditions, and interdependencies can put project objectives under pressure. Although risk registers are widely used to document and manage risks, they are not always written consistently, and links between causes and response measures are often not made explicit. This limits their comparability, learning potential, and practical usefulness.

This thesis examines how risk causes are related to response measures in Dutch public construction projects, using pre-construction risk registers as the empirical dataset. The study combines a focused literature review, thematic analysis of the risk registers, and an expert meeting with three project control managers.

The findings show that the literature provides a useful starting point for structuring recurring risk causes, but that additional refinement is needed to reflect practice. The thematic analysis resulted in practice-based categorizations for risk causes, risk events, and response measures, and showed that causes and measures are related through recurring links. Rather than pointing to fixed response rules, these recurring links suggest three broader cause–measure pattern types, namely focused cause–measure patterns, dispersed cause–measure patterns, and broad linking patterns.

Overall, the thesis shows that broad recurring cause–measure patterns can be identified in risk registers through structured analysis, and that clearer categorization and recording practices can strengthen the value of the risk registers for comparison, learning, and improvement in public construction projects.
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Flooding is one of the most devastating natural hazards, with increasing frequency and severity projected under climate change. Adaptation of the built environment has traditionally emphasized “hard” measures, such as levees and barriers, while “soft” measures, aimed at strengthening social and behavioral resilience through regulatory, educational, and community-based strategies, are less well known and often neglected. Although both are needed, the capacity of soft measures to increase resilience in isolation or combined with hard measures remains unclear, limiting their wider application and formal integration into the processes of resilience management.

This project first clarifies the concept of soft adaptation measures, providing a consolidated definition and categorization that distinguishes their types, benefits, and limitations. Furthermore, it explores how soft measures perform in the urban space, and how they interact with one another and hard interventions, strengthening the argument that integrated (hybrid) strategies are more effective in enhancing urban resilience to extreme weather events. The findings of this research contribute to both academic understanding and practical policy development. By establishing a clearer conceptual foundation and practical framework for soft adaptation, the study facilitates more coherent adaptation planning in the urban space. ... Read more

Many Dutch bridges were constructed in the decades following World War II and are now reaching the end of their service life. While their overall functionality may be declining, individual components still retain significant structural value. In light of increasing circularity ambitions, reusing these components presents an opportunity to reduce emissions and maximize this residual value. However, steel bridge component reuse remains uncommon in the Netherlands. This thesis investigates why that is the case and what is needed to stimulate broader adoption. The main research question is: “What is needed to stimulate the adoption of steel bridge component reuse among stakeholders in the Dutch construction industry?”

A mixed-method approach was applied, combining literature research, a technical case study, and sixteen interviews with actors from across the construction supply chain. The literature review identified five key obstacles to reuse, difficulty in sourcing of the steel, lack of design guidelines, missing EU regulations, cost uncertainty, and behavioral resistance.

To address the technical gap, a design guideline was developed based on the case study of the Freebrug in Oude Pekela. The focus was placed on Orthotropic Steel Decks (OSDs), where fatigue, corrosion, and their combination were modeled as key damage mechanisms. A finite element model incorporating past loading scenarios and critical weld zones showed that technical reuse is possible, even when damage is present. The resulting design guideline consists of three structured steps: (1) documenting initial data, (2) assessing condition during service life, (3) choosing feasible reuse applications.

Besides to that, interview results revealed nineteen obstacles, of which fourteen were not found in literature, suggesting that practice is evolving beyond academic literature. Two obstacles stood out as most frequent: ‘Availability of steel’ and ‘Negative attitudes’, both acting as ‘pillars’ rooted in deeper systemic issues. Some theoretical concerns, such as missing EU regulation or cost uncertainty, were viewed with more nuance or even downplayed by stakeholders.

Fifteen distinct strategies aiming to address these reuse obstacles were identified in interviews, the most common being: making reuse a requirement in tenders, creating supply storage locations, and training the supply chain through partnerships. To interpret the interrelations between these strategies, they were clustered into three systemic themes: (1) Rules and regulations, (2) Collective learning and shared responsibility, and (3) Practical and physical logistics. This interpretive lens revealed a misalignment between ambition and action, willingness and structure, and innovation and conventional routines.

The thesis concludes that stimulating reuse adoption requires both technical verification and systemic realignment. From a Structural Engineering perspective, the design guideline provides a replicable method to assess reuse potential for steel bridge components. From a Construction Management perspective, adoption is hindered by systemic misalignments. These two dimensions are inseparable: technical confidence alone is insufficient without systemic readiness. Reuse must be understood not as an isolated effort, but as a broader system transition requiring coordination, and adaptive capacity across the entire construction chain.

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Cross-project learning, the interlinking of knowledge from projects to create meaning and shared understanding, is still challenging for many organizations. Especially, project-based organization in the construction industry, where learning is often considered as an ‘extra’ task, secondary to the project tasks. Due to shortages in materials and an outflow of expert knowledge due to an aging workforce there is an increased need for learning to improve efficiency. Therefore, this research had focused on improving cross-project learning in project-based organization.

The challenges of cross-project learning at ProRail were explored with case study research that included a literature review, interviews and a focus group. Lack of time and goals for learning and a need for a learning culture were identified as barriers. The ‘Project Knowledge Development’ approach was developed to overcome the barriers in an effort to create structured approach to learning from projects in three phases: Information Collection (to improve the value of project evaluations), Knowledge Creation (to actively create cross-project knowledge) and Knowledge Utilization (to improve the use of knowledge in the projects).

Learning by sharing experiences is often seen, both in this case study as well as in existing research, however, learning from projects requires interaction with the shared experiences to create usable knowledge that can be applied to projects. Therefore, improving cross-project learning in project based organization starts with a structured approach to knowledge development to facilitate knowledge creation and the subsequent knowledge utilization with the use of learning trajectories and facilitating the active involvement of project managers. ... Read more

This thesis explores how generative AI (GenAI) can assist in reviewing open infrastructure tenders, focusing on consultants working with contractors. It examines how individuals interact with GenAI, what motivates them to adopt or avoid it, and how these interactions influence the tender process. At the centre is the concept of deliberation, a reflective exchange between humans and GenAI aimed at deepening understanding rather than reaching agreement. The research asks how people experience this process within project-based organisations.
Using a qualitative approach, the study combined a literature review with an experiment involving a realistic tender case. Individuals and GenAI reviewed a tender section, guided by a structured framework. They later discussed their experiences in groups, and industry experts provided further insights.
The Activity Theory was applied, offering a lens to explore how GenAI operates within broader socio-technical systems. Central to this approach is the concept of contradictions, which are understood as tensions within or between components of an activity system that may either act as drivers or barriers for the adoption and use of GenAI. The Human–GenAI Deliberation framework provided structure for meaningful engagement between users and GenAI.
Younger and less experienced participants seemed more open to revising their views, while older users were generally more fixed. Active engagement, including questioning the GenAI, led to more shifts in opinion and was tied to higher trust. However, GenAI’s servile behaviour, rarely doubting the input of the individuals, reduced its impact. Key drivers for use included structured guidance, the objectivity of GenAI, and curiosity reinforced by peers. Barriers involved scepticism, poor prompt formulation, and limited awareness of GenAI’s potential.
The study highlights the importance of building trust and supporting users with clear guidance and training. A major barrier is the lack of knowledge about how to interact effectively with GenAI. Providing users with practical support can build confidence.
Organisations should invest in targeted training, promote informal peer learning, and position GenAI as a collaborative partner. Introducing a GenAI-supported review phase near final tender submission may support deeper reflection. Future research could further validate these findings, explore better prompting strategies, and examine broader applications beyond consultancy.
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Public participation is increasingly central to infrastructure planning in the Netherlands, evolving from consultation to integrated governance (Alpkokin, 2012; Bobbio, 2019). The Environmental Act, introduced in 2024, aims to simplify regulation, promote early stakeholder involvement, and enable local customization in spatial development (T. Kamer der Staten-Generaal, 2013a). By embedding participation into law, it seeks to improve decision-making quality, increase support, and reduce objections.

This shift reframes participation as a shared task between governments, contractors, and citizens. Contractors now operate within a governance model that emphasizes trust, flexibility, and societal value (Verweij et al., 2022). Their responsibilities in stakeholder engagement and environmental coordination are expanding, particularly during project realization. However, while early-phase participation has been widely studied, its role during the realization phase remains underexplored.
The main research question: How does the Environmental Act impact public participation during the realization phase of infrastructure projects, particularly for contractors?
To answer this, a qualitative design was used, combining a literature review, exploratory interviews, three case studies and an expert evaluation.

The findings show that the Act has not yet transformed participation during the realization phase. Participation remains largely procedural, focused on communication and compliance, with limited opportunities for stakeholder influence. Contractors often join after key decisions have been made, reinforcing an instrumental use of participation, more about risk management than co-creation.
While the contractor’s role is evolving, constraints such as late involvement, fixed contracts, limited resources, and unclear mandates hinder meaningful participation. Changes are mostly seen at the level of procedures and reporting (second-order governance), whereas deeper institutional shifts, trust, shared values, and clear role divisions (third-order governance) are lacking.
To bridge this gap, several improvements are needed: earlier contractor involvement, better role clarity, and flexible contract models that allow for participatory adaptation. Without such reforms, participation risks remaining symbolic. Contractors stepping into public roles must also embrace the societal value of participation—focusing not just on compliance, but on legitimacy, inclusiveness, and sustainability.
Limitations include the recent implementation of the Act, limiting observation to short-term expectations. The small number of cases reduces generalizability, and citizen perspectives are underrepresented. In addition, ambiguity in the definition of “participation” and variation in procurement practices create challenges in interpretation and execution.
In conclusion, the Environmental Act represents a symbolic but conditional shift. Its real potential depends on institutional alignment and a proactive, shared commitment to participation. For contractors, this means investing in stakeholder skills, integrating participation into planning, and engaging early with clients. Public authorities, in turn, must enable this by offering flexible procurement structures and clear accountability frameworks.
Future research should explore: long-term behavioural change, contractor adaptation, contract impacts on participation quality, and ways to reduce bureaucratisation without compromising participatory value. ... Read more

This thesis investigates how the management of interdependencies between the client and the contractor can enhance risk mitigation strategies in complex construction projects. In practice, many risks do not originate from isolated technical failures, but from misaligned responsibilities, conflicting goals, and a lack of coordination between project stakeholders. These interdependencies influence how decisions are made, how risks propagate, and how effective mitigation strategies ultimately are. While traditional risk management approaches focus on identification and responsing on risks, they often overlook the systemic nature of interdependencies that shape project outcomes.

To address this gap, the research combines two theoretical models to develop a structured framework. The TOE framework is used to categorise the cause and manifestation of complexity into technical, organisational, and external sources, while Perrow’s Normal Accident Theory is applied to assess the level of coupling and interaction between these components. This dual approach allows for a detailed analysis of how different types of interdependencies affect risk exposure and governance needs.

The framework is applied in two completed infrastructure projects through a mixed-methods approach, combining cash flow analysis, project documentation review, and semi-structured interviews. Six key events were identified and analysed to assess how interdependencies were managed in practice and which governance structures were applied.

The findings show that clients typically rely on centralised governance structures focused on control and compliance, whereas contractors operate in more dynamic conditions that require flexible, decentralised responses. This structural misalignment often leads to delays, decision-making bottlenecks, and reactive risk management. Although hybrid governance was not explicitly implemented in the studied cases, the analysis suggests that such an approach could offer a promising solution. By combining strategic oversight with operational flexibility, hybrid governance would allow both parties to respond more effectively to complexity, better align their roles and responsibilities, and improve the overall quality of risk mitigation.

The thesis concludes that aligning governance models with the specific interdependency profile of a project leads to better risk management. It recommends early joint classification of interdependencies, broader stakeholder involvement in decision-making, and the use of trust-based mechanisms to complement contractual controls. These strategies can help project teams respond more effectively to complexity, interdependency and improve overall project performance. ... Read more

The Netherlands faces an urgent environmental and infrastructural challenge in phasing out natural gas amidst rising grid congestion. District heating systems offer a promising alternative by enabling the collective use of sustainable heat sources, stabilising the electricity grid, and increasing resilience to market shocks. However, despite national ambitions to expand DH networks by half a million new connections by 2030, the sector is currently in decline, hindered by regulatory uncertainties, market volatility, and the voluntary nature of participation. Against this backdrop, this research investigates the conditions that define successful collaboration in the development and operation of district heating networks. Grounded in collaborative governance and purpose-oriented network theory, the study adopts a qualitative, multiple-case design. An analytical framework was developed by combining Ansell and Gash’s model of collaborative governance with Berthod’s processual view of network dynamics. This framework was applied to three Dutch DH cases involving municipal, private, and end-user actors. Data collection included a literature review, 13 semi-structured interviews across the case studies, and 4 expert interviews. The analysis explored stakeholder roles, phases of collaboration, key success factors, and process tensions that shaped outcomes.

The findings reveal that successful collaboration is not a static state but a dynamic process extending from network initiation to exploitation. A central contribution of this study is the definition of a meta-condition for collaboration: individual goals serve as preconditions, while the shared goal acts as a catalyst. This meta-condition helps explain both successful cases and the sector-wide stagnation, where misalignment of individual goals undermines collaboration, despite consensus on shared objectives. Three consistent key success factors emerged across cases: goal alignment, trust, and commitment. Furthermore, nine process tensions, such as inclusivity versus efficiency, or autonomy versus interdependence, were identified as levers for improving collaboration when recognised and managed early. To support this, the study introduces a practical tool: a set of discussion cards for early-phase project dialogue. Expert evaluation confirmed the tool’s conceptual value.

Theoretically, this study contributes to the understanding of tensions as dynamic mechanisms rather than static barriers and advances the literature on collaborative governance by highlighting the evolving nature of stakeholder goals. The findings are most applicable to Dutch single-system district heating systems involving public-private collaboration and municipal engagement. While limitations include survival bias and national context specificity, the research lays a foundation for future investigations into failed projects, longitudinal dynamics, and cross-country comparisons. By demonstrating how tensions can be purposefully addressed through proactive design, this study repositions tension management as a practical strategy for strengthening collaboration in the Dutch energy transition.
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This study investigates the role and function of professional dissent within the Dutch construction industry. The research explores the conditions that influence the willingness and ability of professionals to voice concerns related to safety, quality, and structural integrity. The central research question is: How can professional dissent contribute to risk and quality control in construction projects? A qualitative research design was employed, based on 13 semi-structured interviews with Dutch construction professionals and 3 expert-review interviews with senior industry leaders. Data was analyzed thematically, guided by a multi-level theoretical framework (Voice/Silence Theory, Power Dynamics, and Organizational Structure). The research identified systemic barriers to dissent, including structural fragmentation, a "claim culture" driven by commercial pressures, and psychological factors such as fear of reprisal. The analysis of the Eindhoven and Twente structural failures was used to illustrate how these barriers manifest in practice. Conversely, findings show that informal enablers, such as leadership vulnerability and interpersonal trust, are more influential in building psychological safety than current formal mechanisms (Safety culture ladder & Dutch Whistleblower Act), which practitioners view with skepticism. Key analytical outcomes include the "Technical-Managerial Chasm" (the conflict between technical certainty and managerial viability) and the "advocacy skills gap." Findings from interviews and failure analyses were synthesized into the "Dissent Ecosystem Model," a new framework illustrating the interplay of systemic, interpersonal, and individual factors that determine dissent outcomes. The report concludes with actionable, multi-level recommendations to address this "dissent deficit." These include new formal, structural reforms (e.g., contractual clarity, competency certification) and informal, cultural interventions (e.g., vulnerable leadership training, trust-building initiatives) to foster a more resilient safety culture. ... Read more

The construction industry, known for its multifaceted operations and inherent complexities, has long sought ways to enhance efficiency, reduce waste and ensure timely project delivery. Risk management (RM) is crucial in preventing unexpected events and keeping projects on track, but current RM practices often fall short, leading to disruptions, inefficient resource use, safety issues, financial setbacks, and time overruns. These issues undermine the purpose of RM and jeopardize projects. Meanwhile, lean construction, grounded in lean thinking, offers a promising solution by identifying and minimizing constraints and inefficiencies. The goals of lean management, like waste reduction and value optimization, align well with RM, which focuses on identifying and mitigating threats to project success. Although there has been extensive research on lean management and RM as separate entities in construction and evidence of their integration in other sectors, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding their intersection in construction. This presents a research opportunity to explore how integrating lean management with RM strategies can improve project outcomes.
This research explores how lean tools can improve RM in the construction industry to enhance the ability of construction organizations to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to risks. It does so by analyzing the RM process to identify gaps and deficiencies in existing knowledge and practices. It then examines the nature and potential of lean tools to address these deficiencies.
The aim of this research is to understand the common issues in construction RM and highlight the potential for integrating lean tools into the RM process to achieve more resilient and efficient operations in the construction sector.
The result of the research is a conceptual lean RM framework, developed based on issues identified in the literature and supported by practical evidence, along with an analysis of lean construction tools and their potential to address chosen RM challenges. The framework spans the tender, planning, development, and construction phases. In addition to the framework, the approach to its application is outlined, including potential short-term and long-term benefits, inherent limitations, and potential integration challenges. The framework’s potential application environment is conceptually explored, and recommendations are offered for construction companies, standard developers, prospective users of the framework and future research efforts. ... Read more

The environmental impact of the construction industry has left its mark on today’s society over the last decades, also in the Netherlands. In addition, the Dutch construction industry faces a major challenge in the replacement and renovation (V&R) task of the current infrastructure. Among others, many viaducts will be at the end of their functional lifespan. A transition to a closed resource loop along with the V&R task provides the Dutch construction industry an opportunity to extent the lifespan of elements and objects of end-of-life viaducts and reuse them in new viaducts while reducing the resource flow and its environmental impact. Although many circular initiatives and practices have been researched and developed by companies, there are still certain barriers that prevent the application of them to realise circular viaducts. The objective of this research is to identify the existing barriers that hinder a closed resource loop to enable circular viaducts in the construction industry and contribute to the circular transition.

The main barrier of circular innovations in the construction industry is the balance between supply (availability of materials) and demand (circular requirements in tenders). A sufficient volume of reusable elements must be created. Meanwhile, circular requirements are needed in tenders for the application of these elements in projects, proper assessment tools must be developed, and additional regulations and legislation is needed. In addition, there are still uncertainties with respect to the material specifications, ownership and warranty and the business case. Reusable elements are more expensive as they need to be harvested. Supply chains and collaboration form such as consortia are needed as portfolio contracts will become the new normal. Transparency is needed between the stakeholders in the industry and knowledge should be shared among parties.

A change in mindset is needed. Clients must be willing to pay more for circularity and market parties should accept the uncertainties of the transition. Additional roles and expertise’s are needed within the industry and supply chains must be organized.
Appropriate circular assessment tools have to developed, other design strategies of resource flows may assist the transition to a closed resource loop system, asset management, and additional client perspectives.
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The scale and complexity of projects in the construction sector have grown significantly in recent years. Larger projects typically result in worse performance, including overspending and delays in the calendar.
This research focuses on identifying and analyzing Early Warning Signals (EWS) to mitigate schedule delays during the design phase of infrastructure projects managed by Sweco, a consultancy company in the Netherlands. The primary aim is to explore how effectively EWS can be used to identify potential issues early and prevent project delays.
The research begins by assessing the current knowledge and application of EWS among project managers, controllers and directors at Sweco. Initial findings indicate that while most participants have a basic understanding of the concept of EWS, they do not actively use or recognize it in their daily workflows. Their awareness of these signals primarily stems from gut feelings and extensive experience rather than systematic identification and application.
To identify the most relevant EWS, the study combines insights from existing literature with practical experiences shared by Sweco experts. This process involves creating a comprehensive list of potential EWS, which is then narrowed down and prioritised based on their perceived impact and likelihood. The prioritisation is similar to a risk assessment method, considering both the probability and potential impact of each signal.
The study examines how to measure data related to the signals and proposes measures on how to handle those EWS better. Some of the suggestions include establishing clear working agreements, balancing formal and informal communication, enhancing collaboration through workshops and visual tools, and leveraging advanced technologies like AI and BIM. The study further emphasises the importance of continuous client communication, internal quality checks, and ensuring appropriate expertise for project tasks.
The research provides a comprehensive framework for identifying, measuring, and managing EWS to improve project outcomes and reduce schedule delays in infrastructure projects. The findings emphasise the need for systematic approaches and technological integration to enhance early warning capabilities and project management practices. By implementing the recommended strategies, Sweco can better anticipate potential issues, make informed decisions, and ultimately deliver projects more efficiently.

Keywords: Early Warning Signals (EWS), schedule delay, design phase, infrastructure projects, project management, measurability, prioritisation
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This thesis explores the external risks associated with the construction of tailings dams in the mining industry, with a focus on the recent regulatory changes in Mexico. These changes have introduced new complexities and uncertainties in project management, particularly during the tender and construction phases. The aim of this research is to address a gap in traditional risk management methodologies by developing a knowledge graph to identify and manage external risks more effectively, with the specific objective of “How to model an ontology of external risks in the construction of a tailings dam using empirical knowledge”. The scope of the study includes the analysis of external risks in the construction of a tailings dam, and the integration of ontologies to enhance contractors' decision-making processes during the tender stage.

The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining a literature review, case study analysis of the Mexican mining industry, and empirical data collection through interviews with industry experts. The methodology involves developing a knowledge graph using the Methontology approach, implemented through Protégé software. The results reveal various external risks, such as social conflicts, and activity-related and resource-related issues, that impact tailings dam projects. The knowledge graph created serves as a systematic tool for visualizing and analyzing these risks, with validation processes confirming its logical consistency and applicability.

The study concludes that external risks in the mining industry are multifaceted, encompassing social, financial, and resource-driven factors. The developed ontology provides a practical framework for contractors to identify and mitigate these risks more effectively, especially during the tender stage. The research recommends further development and application of ontology-based models in the industry to bridge the gap between theoretical risk management frameworks and practical real-world applications, thereby enhancing the overall risk management process in construction projects within the mining sector.
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Prompted by the 2023 Turkey earthquake and lessons on deviations, this study examines deviations in Paraguay. It clarifies that changes are formal procedures, whereas deviations are informal alterations to original plans, assessed post hoc. The concept of an “accepted deviation” is defined as an informally allowed variance in project requirements. The question is how to prevent deviation abuse. The study uses a qualitative, exploratory, inductive design, drawing on literature review, interviews, document analysis, and expert evaluation. Eight professionals from public and private sectors in Paraguay participated; three private experts validated findings.
Findings show that literature treats changes as formal and prospective and deviations as informal and retrospective; once deviations occur, they are accepted or rectified, with limited guidance beyond acceptance. In practice, deviations arise through bilateral agreements, unilateral contractor actions, or errors; formal change orders differ by sector, with the public sector imposing strict regulations and finance delays, while private sector relies more on informal agreements. The study identifies six preventive measures: improve final design; include paid, thorough contractor reviews in contracts; reduce change-order bureaucracy; enhance teamwork and communication; anticipate unforeseen events; hire qualified professionals. For managing deviations, four feasible practices are recommended: seek specialist opinions; document informal agreements; embed deviation management into regulations; rely on experience and safety considerations. Conclusions stress understanding the differences, reducing deviations, and applying proposed practices, while noting they are not universal remedies. The study suggests avenues for further research, including sector-specific analyses, agile methodologies, client/financier perspectives, ethics, and a protocol for middle-ground modifications. ... Read more

Current societal and construction challenges, combined with limited time and the scarcity of people and resources, require solutions in the construction industry. This research focuses on repetitive tasks and contributes to that. Furthermore, this research is necessary because the literature on repetitive tasks is limited and needs to be supplemented. The research objective was to increase the understanding and knowledge of the design elements aimed at exploiting the potential of repetitive tasks in assignments where public clients and contractors collaborate. Based on the literature review, repetitive tasks and associated potential were defined and a theoretical framework was established. The empirical research consists of studying three cases, the programmes WL, IPS Schoolgebouwen and WOUW, using case documents and eighteen interviews conducted with public clients and contractors. This provided a picture of repetitive tasks in different construction sectors (residential, utility and infrastructure construction) and at different phases of the asset life cycle (new construction, maintenance and renovation). Separate analysis of the three cases, combined with cross case analysis and the established theoretical framework, then formed the basis for the "Innovative approach to repetitive tasks" framework. Through an "innovative approach to repetitive tasks", consisting of a cross-project inventory of repetitive tasks and the application of the design elements and advices proposed in the “Innovative approach to repetitive tasks” framework, the forces of the public client and the contractors are combined and the potential of repetitive tasks is unlocked. ... Read more

In Dutch hospital construction projects, the project goals are not always met, budgets are overrun, delays in planning, and the progress of the projects do not proceed the way that is expected. The complexity of the hospital construction projects influence the possible outcome of the projects. Project failure is often linked to the hard sides of project management, but especially the soft factors and skills, such as negotiation, team capabilities and communication also appear to influence the outcome of a project.
A wide range of signs can indicate possible problems long before they actually occur: Early Warning Signs (EWS). EWS are indicators for potential negative future developments. The signs consist mostly of soft signals which grow stronger over time. When EWS occur in a project, they are mostly process-related, linked to human behaviour and ‘gut-feeling’. Some research is performed on the subject, but the ability to identify and act on these EWS is in its early stages. Research on EWS and the response to EWS mainly focuses on the infrastructure construction sector. EWS-Research related to hospital construction projects is lacking. This research wants to make an attempt to fill the research gap and aims to answer the following research question:
“Which Early Warning Signs can be identified in Dutch hospital construction projects, and how can acting on Early Warning Signs be stimulated to mitigate possible problems?”
The exploratory research is split into two sections; a theoretical study and an empirical study are conducted. The theoretical study consists of a literature review. The findings of the theoretical study are explored in practice in the empirical study, which consists of a case study, including semi-structured interviews, and an expert panel.
The findings show that EWS appear in hospital construction projects and that they are related to human factors, such as gut feeling, communication and culture. Project management can benefit from taking EWS into account: identifying and responding to EWS can have a positive effect on the process of hospital construction.
Before responding to EWS, they must first be identified and barriers must be minimised. To stimulate acting on EWS, there must be awareness of which barriers can occur in hospital construction projects.
Nine categories of EWS in hospital construction projects are found: 1) Infeasible project goal, 2) Postponing decision making, 3) Diminishing cooperation, 4) Unfit team composition, 5) Lack of communication, 6) Lack of quality of documents, 7) Deteriorating connection with internal stakeholders, 8) Excessive workload, and 9) Resistance of external stakeholders.
Eight barriers are found that may prevent recognising or acting on EWS in hospital construction projects: 1) Inadequate management style, 2) Uncertainty avoidance, 3) Effects of board/politics, 4) Optimism bias, 5) Lack of time for reflection, 6) Underestimated project complexity, 7) Deteriorating relationship with contractors, and 8) Fragmentation.
To minimise possible problems in a hospital construction project, the three most impactful barriers can be managed by incorporating possible solutions regarding proactive and reactive approaches applying both soft and hard aspects of project management.
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Critical infrastructure systems are vital to societal functions, yet they face increasing complexity due to global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and digitalization. In the Netherlands, infrastructure administrations play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and sustainability of these systems. Interorganizational collaboration (IOC) is recognized as an approach to addressing interdependencies among stakeholders and enhancing infrastructure management. However, there is limited understanding of the organizational preconditions required to foster effective IOC, particularly at the intraorganizational level. This thesis explores the factors that enhance or hinder collaborative capacity among Dutch infrastructure administrations, focusing on the major Port Authority and Railway Administration as case organizations. Using a qualitative, three-step methodology—comprising a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis—it identifies organizational preconditions critical for enabling IOC. Findings highlight that leadership commitment, collaborative goal-setting, structural flexibility, and proactive relationship-building are essential enablers of IOC. Successful collaborations often begin with motivated individuals and are sustained through institutionalized learning and adaptive organizational strategies. The study encourages organizations to balance internal mandates with shared collaborative objectives and to prioritize informal networks and trust-building mechanisms. The findings offer a reflective framework for infrastructure administrations to assess and enhance their collaborative capacity within their own specific context, enabling more effective partnerships in safeguarding critical infrastructure systems. This research contributes to both theory and practice, addressing a gap in understanding how intraorganizational factors shape the readiness and success of interorganizational collaboration. ... Read more

Extreme sea level events are more likely to occur more frequently in the future due to climate change. Therefore, new approaches to flood risk management must be explored. Instead of following a solely defence-dominated engineering approach, improving resilience has become increasingly popular and more desirable. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are actions inspired by, supported by or copied from nature that simultaneously help societies address environmental, social and economic challenges. Therefore, they have the potential to contribute to a more resilient Flood Risk Governance (FRG). However, implementing new perspectives will inevitably widen the scope and increase the number of stakeholders involved in the decision-making process. The idea of more collaborative and participatory governance has gained increased interest among researchers. Nevertheless, influential stakeholders often prefer solutions that cost less and hold fewer management complications and risks, even if other, more multi-functional solutions might be more beneficial for the other stakeholders and society. To further contribute to the knowledge of FRG and the implementation of NBS, this thesis aims to explore how the current FRG can be enhanced for the implementation of nature-based flood defence systems.

The chosen approach is a qualitative study. In addition to reviewing related literature, a first round of interviews explores the current FRG. Furthermore, a multiple-case study was selected as a research method. Data was gathered through interviews and document review in a thematic analysis. Both barriers and enablers for the design and implementation of NBS were identified. Ultimately, the research discovered that barriers and enablers are deeply interconnected, which was depicted in a framework. Moreover, the framework was categorised into three levels of governance. From there, recommendations are given to relevant stakeholders.

The Netherlands can reflect on a long history of living with water, leading to a well-defined FRG with clearly divided responsibilities. Nevertheless, this historical and cultural background also made the system somewhat rigid, making the integration of novel approaches, such as NBS, rather difficult. Several barriers and enablers for wider NBS implementation have been identified within the case studies. Moreover, potential solutions were extracted.

Based on the framework, the study provides a set of policy recommendations targeted at Rijkswaterstaat and other stakeholders of the Dutch FRG. These recommendations focus on enhancing governance flexibility, fostering interdependencies, and creating incentives to overcome risk aversion and promote nature-based approaches. Additionally, the study suggests revising existing legislation to accommodate adaptive management practices better and integrating long-term monitoring and evaluation to support continuous learning and improvement.

The study concludes that better integration of NBS in FRG requires addressing distinct areas of responsibilities, encouraging adaptive and flexible governance arrangements, and promoting collaborative approaches to policymaking. By enhancing stakeholder engagement and providing adequate financial and regulatory support, the Netherlands can improve the resilience of its flood protection system while harnessing the multiple benefits offered by NBS. ... Read more