Transitions related to climate change, energy and biodiversity affect spatial claims and require an integrated approach. These developments herald a redesign of the built environment. Consequently, civil engineering projects are changing from technological to integration-driven assignments and their complexity is increasing. These challenges manifest themselves particularly in the integrated design process.

Therefore, this dissertation focuses on the question of how performance can be improved by focusing on integration in the civil engineering design process. An optimal, integrated approach emerges as a critical factor. Additionally, the increasingly integrative, social and dynamic character of the civil engineering design process necessitates project team members to collaborate, connect and delve into the others’ interests. Therefore, empathy turns out to be a relevant factor for project success. Moreover, the empathic abilities of the Dutch civil engineering sector appear to be relatively low, implying room for improvement. @en

This research focuses on developing a comprehensive approach to integrating health and well-being strategies into the design and construction of office buildings within the Dutch context. While international standards like the WELL Building Standard offer guidelines for enhancing indoor environmental quality, their applicability in the Netherlands is limited due to differences in local regulations, environmental factors, and cultural expectations. To address these challenges, this study combines insights from literature reviews, expert interviews, and a detailed analysis of Dutch building codes to identify critical elements affecting occupant health and well-being, such as air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, and biophilic design.

The study proposes a framework that bridges the gap between international standards and Dutch building regulations, incorporating local practices and stakeholder perspectives. It guides project teams, well-being consultants, and stakeholders through key project phases— from project definition and KPI selection to construction and post-occupancy—ensuring that well-being considerations are integrated at every stage. The framework allows flexibility in selecting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) while maintaining mandatory health requirements and promoting real-time feedback and stakeholder engagement.

Validated by well-being experts and industry professionals, this framework provides a scalable, practical solution for enhancing the health, satisfaction, and productivity of occupants in Dutch office buildings. The research contributes to the growing demand for healthier, more sustainable office environments, offering a context-specific solution that aligns with both global best practices and local needs.

Megaprojects are inherently uncertain due to their scale, complexity, and unique, one-time nature, making accurate forecasting challenging. Throughout the project lifecycle (PLC), multiple internal and external stakeholders often perceive uncertainty differently due to their varying interests and values, which can intensify conflicts and fuel uncertainty. Additionally, the growing complexity of these projects—driven by both technical and human factors—poses significant management challenges. Even within the same organization or project, individuals may have differing perceptions of project uncertainties. Despite the importance of addressing uncertainty, current practices focus heavily on risk management, often neglecting uncertainty.
Complex infrastructure projects, as large and transformational megaprojects with significant societal impact, often underperform due to the underestimation of uncertainty. Private organizations, key players in procuring and managing these projects, traditionally emphasize the "Iron Triangle" of project success—budget, timeline, and scope. However, these risk-centric approaches often fail to address the broader complexities, leading to unmanaged uncertainties. Consequently, there is a pressing need for organizations to shift from traditional risk management practices to a more comprehensive perspective that accounts for uncertainty. Effective uncertainty management has become critical for the successful delivery of such projects, yet organizations continue to struggle to make meaningful progress in this area.
While the technical aspects of risk management are well-researched, successful uncertainty management requires organizations to cultivate a culture of awareness and adaptability. This study addresses this gap by emphasizing the need for developing both technical and soft skills within internal teams and stakeholders to build the competencies required to manage uncertainty effectively.
To tackle this pervasive issue, the study proposes a development framework that outlines strategies for enhancing key competencies among project members. Grounded in strong theoretical foundations from existing uncertainty management literature, the framework offers practical recommendations based on the case study of the 2GW Landstation project. This approach aims to accelerate the development of key competencies, equipping organizations to manage the uncertainties inherent in infrastructure projects more effectively.

The past decade has witnessed a major breakthrough in technological advancements due to numerous factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature has shown a growing interest in digital tools in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Various technologies have been developed to monitor construction processes, reduce costs, manage safety hazards, increase efficiency, enhance performance, improve productivity, and facilitate coordination and communication. So far, most studies have focused on specific digital tools, on how these affect performance, or firms’ resistance to change. However, far less attention has been paid on how these digital tools are shaping management practices in the AEC industry. This study aims to explore this gap in the literature. 9 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the field from different countries leading in technological solutions. Through an abductive approach and the grounded theory method, this qualitative study identifies three variables that mediate the relationship between digital tools and management practices: efficiency, effectiveness, and experience. Furthermore, resistance to change works as a moderating variable between these two concepts. Based on this, three new management practices are created and added to the model originally developed by Bloom and Van Reenen (2007). (1) Efficient target setting is defined as a strategy comprised of an adequate optimiser based on important considerations that seeks to accelerate the fulfilment of targets in a construction project. (2) Effective monitoring is the collection of data comprised of the facilitator and the inhibitor that determine the degree to which the monitoring of a construction project is successful. And (3) perceptual assessment is the evaluation of objective and subjective human performance measurements. The findings suggest that the sole existence of trendy digital technologies does not translate to performance improvement within an organisation, rather, careful evaluation of these is recommended. Additionally, the successful implementation of digital tools in a construction firm implicates a modified organisational structure that promotes digital transformation. Further research could strengthen the results through quantitative methods.

Limitations of the study: First, only 9 participants were interviewed due to time constraints, although their quality was remarkable. Second, the participants were intended to be from countries where management practices have already been studied, since these are contingent on the firm’s environment. But the difficulty to recruit high quality individuals and the fact that some countries do not have access to LinkedIn (e.g. China), made this difficult to achieve. And third, management practices are a broad subject, which made it challenging to discuss about each of their 18 key indicators during the interviews. Because of this, the results show a general understanding of how digital tools are shaping management practices in the AEC industry.

Sea turtle nesting beaches are under increasing pressure from climate change, rising sea levels, and human activity, making the protection of critical habitats like Ostional Beach, Costa Rica, an urgent priority. This study integrates the analysis of wave runup dynamics, groundwater behavior, stakeholder collaboration, and coastal squeeze mitigation to address the unique challenges at this vital olive ridley turtle nesting site.

Wave runup was examined using timestack imagery analysis. Two automated extraction models— entropy-only and entropy-saturation—were compared against manually digitized data. Results show that the entropy-only model is more reliable in capturing peak wave run-up values, a critical measure for understanding inundation risks. Challenges in accuracy, particularly for the entropy-saturation model, were linked to the site’s unique environmental conditions, such as dark volcanic sand. The findings fill a gap in understanding how specific extraction methods perform under unique site conditions, with implications for improving future modeling efforts.

Groundwater dynamics were studied using pressure sensors installed in custom-built wells, revealing significant interactions with tidal forces. These measurements highlighted the role of tidal cycles in influencing groundwater levels, providing crucial insights into the potential for nest inundation. These findings extend existing knowledge by combining tidal and hydrodynamic factors specific to turtle nesting sites.

Collaboration within the TURTLE project was analyzed through semi-structured interviews and structural evaluation of partner interactions. A tailored framework was developed to enhance communication and coordination among stakeholders, addressing identified gaps and leveraging existing strengths. This framework contributes to more effective project management and the application of scientific insights in conservation strategies.

To mitigate coastal squeeze—a phenomenon where natural habitats are compressed by rising sea levels and human development—the study evaluated strategies such as foreland restoration and managed retreat. Findings suggest that integrating habitat restoration with community involvement is critical to preserving the ecological and social balance at Ostional Beach.

This study takes an interdisciplinary approach to explore how wave runup, groundwater behavior, and collaboration strategies can be effectively combined to support conservation efforts. The results stress the need for tailored, site-specific solutions that blend engineering, ecological, and social perspectives to protect endangered species and their habitats. By bridging knowledge gaps and offering practical recommendations, the research bolsters both local and global initiatives aimed at preserving vulnerable coastal ecosystems. 

This study investigates the development of sustainable offshore fish farms in Sisal, Yucatán. Local fishermen face seasonal restrictions on fishing due to environmental regulations. Given the socioeconomic dependence of the region on fishing, the community of Sisal has been experiencing increasing instability of livelihoods. Offshore fish farming has emerged as a potential solution to this challenge, offering an alternative income source outside the traditional fishing season. However, previous industrial attempts to introduce fish cages failed due to a lack of local engagement and inadequate design, leaving Sisal residents sceptical. To address these past issues, this research seeks to design affordable, durable, and locally accepted fish cages that meet the unique environmental and social conditions of Sisal. Valuable insights were gained from fish farms in Celestún, a nearby village with successful communityled offshore aquaculture. Celestún’s approach, using smaller, manageable, and collectively funded cage, has proven to be both economically and socially beneficial. This makes it a relevant model for Sisal, though Sisal’s steeper coastal gradients and greater exposure to maritime forces require adaptations to ensure durability and long-term success. The research follows a multi-step methodology, beginning with interviews with local fishermen and experts to understand their needs and preferences for cage design and placement. These insights were integrated with environmental data on wave height, wave period, and current speeds collected through field measurements and the ERA5 reanalysis dataset. Using this input, an Multi-Criteria-Analysis (MCA) was conducted to determine the optimal offshore location for the fish farms. To determine the structural needs for fish cages under Sisal’s conditions, the research used ProteusDS simulation software [14] to model various cage dimensions, mooring tensions, and layout configurations. Key findings indicate that positioning the fish farms at 8 kilometres offshore is optimal for long term success. At closer distances to the coast, water quality decreases, resulting in higher maintenance requirements and compromised fish health. Greater distances increase installation costs and operational costs due to higher fuel demands. With the optimal location established, the research follows with the determination of key design parameters essential for the structural integrity of the fish cages near Sisal. An extreme value analysis of an ERA5 dataset was performed to estimate the 20-year return level for the wave height, resulting in a design wave height of 4.19 metres. This value was adjusted for local conditions using a scaling factor derived from the comparison between local and ERA5 data, resulting in an adjusted design wave height of 3.40 metres. A power-law regression was then applied to establish the relationship between wave height and wave period, estimating a design wave period of approximately 8.01 seconds corresponding to the adjusted wave height. For the current analysis, the 95th percentile of current speeds was examined, determining a maximum design current speed of 0.50 m/s near the surface. Furthermore, analysis of wave and current directions revealed that extreme waves predominantly come from the north to north-east directions (340° to 20°), while the strongest currents flow toward 70° and 250°, indicating eastward and westward flows. The optimal cage design determined through simulations includes a cage diameter of 12 metres and a net depth of 4.7 metres to withstand Sisal’s environmental forces. Additionally, distinct mooring-tension configurations were tested in the ProteusDS software, including Concept 1 (a single-cage setup), Concept 2 (a two-cage configuration with four mooring anchors), and Concept 3 (a three-cage arrangement with three anchors). Each concept required specific anchor weights and dimensions to endure the high wave and current forces at this location. Orientation adjustments were also incorporated to reduce tension, aligning each cage setup with different wave and current directions, thereby optimizing structural reliability. Future fish cage designs should include adaptive anchoring and precise orientation to enhance stability and involve the local community for sustainable, long-term success. The study concludes that, to achieve long-term viability, fish cages in Sisal must be affordable, easy to maintain, and capable of withstanding local environmental conditions. Future recommendations include deepening community involvement, implementing enhanced safety and resilience measures, and refining cost analysis to foster broad acceptance among local fishermen. By ensuring that the fish cages are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable, this project aims to secure a stable income for Sisal’s fishing community, thereby improving their quality of life while reducing pressure on marine ecosystems

This thesis explores the challenges and solutions for integrating circular economy (CE) ambitions into building projects, with a focus on overcoming barriers through effective stakeholder engagement.
The research was motivated by the increasing need for sustainable practices in the construction industry, particularly how to align diverse stakeholder interests with CE goals. The central research question addressed is: How can effective stakeholder engagement strategies overcome barriers to implementing circular economy ambitions in building projects?

The research was conducted using a qualitative research approach, combining case studies, document analysis and interviews with key stakeholders involved with CE ambitions in construction projects (Ma and Hao, 2024); architects, contractors, clients and a material recycling facility. Data was gathered from 9 interviews and analyzed to identify patterns in stakeholder knowledge,
attitudes, and power dynamics related to CE implementation. The stakeholder mapping process included the models of Power-Interest-Attitude (Murray-Webster and Simon, 2006) and Salience (Mitchell et al., 1997) to assess alignment of stakeholders, their engagement levels within the management structure and overall barriers and Critical Success Factors that aided in finding a Stakeholder Engagement Strategy for improvement of CE ambition achievement.

The study revealed that knowledge gaps at project initiation, lack of technical feasibility measurement early on, frequent change in project teams and wavering commitment of these new project teams were considered important barriers that hindered effective implementation of CE ambitions in the Bajeskwartier. Consequently, various Critical Success Factors, such as early alignment of stakeholder knowledge and maintained commitment between stakeholders, are essential for achieving CE goals. Additionally, incorporating other stakeholders such as Investors into
the decision-making process was found to be crucial for overcoming regulatory and financial obstacles, such as the lack of implementing circular business models. Finally, stakeholders with high power and interest, such as clients and contractors, were identified as critical for enforcing CE practices, while architects were considered to have a very high intrinsic motivation for implementing
innovative CE ambitions.

The research concluded that an effective stakeholder engagement strategy involves early alignment of CE ambitions, clear communication of goals and ongoing collaboration between current and future stakeholders, and recurrent checking of ambitions and decision on technical, financial, regulatory and design levels can significantly reduce barriers that hinder effective CE implementation. The findings demonstrate that involving key stakeholders early and fostering a shared understanding of CE objectives and knowledge surrounding this topic leads to better project outcomes and stronger commitment to circular practices. The limitations of this research include the focus on a limited number of stakeholders and the inclusion of only one specific construction project, which greatly limits generalizability. Future research could expand on this by examining similar construction projects, while incorporating new stakeholder groups such as advisors. Finally, various obtained barriers, not found within incorporated literature, were present in alternate literature excluded by this thesis' scope. It is therefore recommended future research highlights their literature research specifically on the topics of leadership, commitment and interests, and the general topics of finance, technical and design barriers and Critical Success Factors.

This master thesis addresses the challenge of project performance in the Civil Engineering (CE) sector, emphasizing the significance of collaboration, communication, and understanding among interdisciplinary project teams. Focusing on the role of empathy in contractor-client collaborations, the study investigates the potential impact of serious gaming on enhancing the level of empathy of CE professionals.
The research uses a mixed-method pre- and post-test design, utilizing a quasi-experimental approach without a control group. The study uses the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and the short version of the Empathy Quotient (EQ short) questionnaire to measure the individual self-reported level of empathy before and after participants engage in the serious game 'Fouten maken Moed.' A subscale of the IRI showed a slight decrease in the level of empathy that possibly can be explained by a growth in awareness. While quantitative analysis did not reveal a significant change in overall empathy scores, qualitative findings suggest positive influences on interpersonal dynamics, openness, and talkativeness among participants, aspects that relate to the concept of empathy.
Despite the limitations that arise from researching a difficult to operationalise main concept (empathy), a small sample size and having no control group. It can still be concluded that the intervention, including the serious game, created an environment that was conducive for participants to share personal information and vulnerabilities, fostering a sense of approachability and relatability. It seems like the game can, if facilitated well, function as a context-setter for Project Follow Up (PFU) or Project Start Up (PSU) meetings, enhancing collaboration between contractors and clients.
Although the study acknowledges the fact that results cannot be generalised, it recommends refining empathy measurement methods and enhancing training interventions' briefing and debriefing aspects. Future research should include more extensive experiments with control groups to better isolate the impact of serious gaming on empathy levels in the CE sector, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the game's potential contributions to collaboration and project performance through empathy

The Dutch construction sector is confronted with a complex and challenging situation. The majority of the infrastructural elements in the Netherlands were built in the 1950s and 60s, which means they are approaching the end of their lifespan. This state, in combination with backlogged maintenance and budget cuts, created a significant and urgent renovation and replacement wave that the sector is now facing. Additionally, other challenges like the tightness of the labour market, increasing material prices, the sector’s substantial emissions of CO2 and nitrogen and it’s limited learning capacity only exacerbate the complexity of the situation.

One of the key solutions emerging in this context is the implementation of the contractual portfolio approach (CPA), where multiple works are bundled into one tender. This approach shows potential to efficiently tackle the renovation and replacement task, while at the same time creating a healthier situation in the sector. However, it is a very novel strategy about which both stakeholders and researchers possess limited knowledge. Therefore, this research fills this gap by exploring the implementation of CPA for the civil engineering sector. This exploration is done by analysing what CPA exactly entails, the objectives clients pursue when implementing a CPA and the choice options they have when doing so.

Out of this study, a clear definition of CPA emerges, which is:

The bundling of a logical set of similar works into one initial tender, with the purpose of reaching certain work-transcending objectives.

Next to this, eight main objectives are identified, accompanied by eleven key choice options that clients have at their disposal. These objectives include enhancing standardisation, increasing efficiency and stimulating a learning curve. The choice options, among others, are the selection and award criteria of the initial tender, the composition of the bundling of works and the implementation of performance management. Clients tend to lack a concise list of objectives while at the same time having a shortage of an overarching view on available choice options. Next to this, the links between choice options and objectives bring about certain dilemmas. This happens when a specific choice has a positive effect on one objective, but a negative one on another. As an example, the implementation of performance management provides the client with a certain degree of control over the quality of the portfolio, while at the same time decreasing the contractor’s willingness to invest. Next to these dilemmas, certain situational factors prove to be influential for the effectivity of choice options. For instance, a high complexity of the environment of a work hampers the workflow within a portfolio.

Concluding, clients can adopt the contractual portfolio approach as a way to achieve a variety of objectives. From sustainability to efficiency, and from risk reduction to standardisation. To effectively do this, it is important to explicitly define objectives and limit these to the most important ones. Furthermore, it is important to consider all the available choice options and to position the buttons in a way that it aligns to both the portfolio situation and the specific objectives. Then, it is vital to consider the circumstances of the specific case and to carefully weigh the trade-offs associated with certain dilemmas. Ultimately, clients are advised to use the CPA Decision Guideline that is constructed in this research as a tool that supports the decision-making.

Sustainability has gained global recognition due to the detrimental effects of human activities on the environment, resulting in climate and weather extremes. In the Netherlands, the infrastructure sector is a key focus for policymakers, as it is responsible for a significant portion of the country's carbon dioxide emissions due to Factors such as non-renewable material use, machinery energy consumption, habitat destruction, and infrastructure type have contributed to its environmental impact (CO2 En Milieu, 2020). Dutch government has set ambitious goals to make the construction within the infrastructure sector more sustainable, aiming to reduce primary resource usage by 50\% by 2030 and achieve full circularity by 2030. These ambitions are outlined in regulations and policy, thus, form strategic ambitions (Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties, 2022). However, these strategic sustainability ambitions are often not fully realised as ambition erosion occurs (CROW, 2011). This research investigates ambition erosion and safeguarding strategic sustainability ambitions in the infrastructure sector within the construction process of the Ground, Road, Hydraulic Engineering sector, contributing to the broader sustainability transition goals and the realisation of strategic sustainability. A combination of theoretical and empirical research methods, including a literature review, semi-structured interviews with practitioners, and a case study based on an approach by Duurzaam GWW, were employed to understand the barriers and challenges associated with sustainability in the sector. The findings highlight the importance of clear and comprehensive definitions of sustainability that incorporate the three pillars of people, planet, and profit. Successful realisation of ambitions requires a clear continuation from strategic to tactical and operational levels within the exploration phase focusing on defining, establishing, specifying, and validating them. The research identifies 28 barriers categorized into capacity building, motivational, collaboration, and process-related themes. A comprehensive framework is proposed to address these barriers and reduce ambition erosion. The framework includes actions, conditions, steps, and instruments to mitigate barriers, enhance collaboration among stakeholders, and ensure a shared understanding of sustainability. The redesigned process focuses on defining, establishing, specifying, and validating strategic ambitions, with additional tools and methods incorporated for effective realisation. The proposed framework improves upon the existing approach by providing extra steps and conditions, identifying necessary actors and roles, and emphasizing collaboration and specific functions required to realize strategic sustainability ambitions. The enhancements contribute to a more effective realisation of sustainability goals at the project-specific level. This research provides valuable insights into reducing ambition erosion and safeguarding strategic sustainability ambitions in the infrastructure sector, contributing to the broader sustainability transition goals.

People are the main asset of a consultancy firm, and a Project Manager is a key figure in the delivery of projects. Change Management theories suggest that the success of change efforts relies on three components: Leadership, Project Management and Change Management. Therefore, successful sustainability implementation depends significantly on the performance of a Project Manager, how well they are equipped with the knowledge about sustainability and supported with tools and internal processes. But first of all, how well they are aware of the importance of sustainability for the organisation and how strong their intention to implement the changes is.
The project manager, as an enabler of sustainability in a construction project, can contribute to the construction industry to meet sustainable development goals. To facilitate the process of sustainability implementation and create opportunities for action, more knowledge is required about current drivers and barriers for the project managers. This research investigated these drivers and barriers utilising behavioural theories.
Main results
The research design used a mix of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The literature and organisational documents were used to study the current state of sustainability implementation in theory and practice, and at the same time, several exploratory interviews were conducted. DINAMO survey identified which barriers PM specialists encounter during project delivery. Four main barriers resulted from the survey:
• Complexity of the change
• Lack of Information
• Lack of Involvement
• Manageability of the change
Main conclusions
The study has indicated three points that can help to translate sustainability into project execution.
First, the research has shown the importance of the strategic context. Explanation of the strategic goals and their alignment with other organisational goals plays an essential role in strategy implementation.
Second, it has been concluded from the study that project management practices require significant revisions. Being a key figure in the project, PM must enable opportunities for sustainable goals. Sustainable goals should be inseparable from the project’s success, and the integration of these goals must be facilitated by sustainability leadership.
Third, the study has disclosed that the behavioural control and intention of project managers to change play a significant role in the implementation of sustainability in projects. Behaviour is directly dependent on the working environment created by strategic settings. It is, therefore, a closed loop in which strategic settings influence the behaviour, and behaviour can provide valuable information to re-adjust the strategic settings.

The market industry is rapidly changing and modifications are taking place. Over the years, it has been noticed that project success is a challenging issue, which requires several endeavours from project parties. The procurement system is characterized as a tool, the implementation of which delivers project results. The procurement system is classified into four distinct categories; traditional, design & build, strategic & integrated, partnering. Based on those, the most popular procurement technique historically is the traditional method. The traditional method is mostly applied successfully in small projects, when less complexity and uncertainty emerge. However, the complexity and uncertainty have largely increased, marking the traditional method slightly impractical for successful results. In that case, a new procurement method is introduced, the Best Value Procurement (known as BVP) method. A critical advantage of the BVP is the embodiment of complexity and collaboration demands into its process. Despite its advantages and ambitions, the BVP does not always secure a successful result. Therefore, the main question that will be addressed in this research is:

“How could public organizations implement Best Value Procurement (BVP) to benefit the project
delivery?”

To answer the main research question, a deep investigation through the BVP concept (elements, activities etc.) was executed. Firstly, an extensive literature review was exercised in order to cover the BVP method on the theoretical side. Based on the literature results, a theoretical BVP framework was established. Secondly, the findings acquired from the literature review were examined, leading to the exploratory interviews. Interviews are exploring the practical side of the BVP and how is applied in practice. Seven interviewees were selected. An understanding of differences and similarities between theory and practice was essential. Using the findings from the frameworks’ comparison, a list of adjustments (or recommendations) for improving the BVP method is established. Interviews with experts were held. Three experts, coming from public organisations and consultancy firms apply their knowledge and expertise in order to improve the BVP method. Thereafter, an alternative BVP framework was established. The alternative BVP framework incorporates components (elements, activities, including parties, final deliverables), the influence of which is characterized as critical for the BVP success. Public organisations frequently apply the BVP method in their projects. Being BVP initiators in the market industry, public organisations should implement BVP carefully. The alternative BVP framework, proposed in the research, could be used by public clients in order to achieve successful project outcomes. For a successful implementation of the BVP method, special attention should be attributed to the main alterations:

General highlights:
1. An introduction of Stage zero; training sessions, about BVP philosophy, are becoming available
through every single project participant
2. An introduction of final deliverables (per step); setting clearly the deliverables to be received
at the end of every stage

Selection stage:
1. Interviews inclusion as part of the evaluation process, not separate activity of the selection
stage
2. Consultants and tender managers are getting an important role throughout the selection
stage
3. Once the selection stage finishes, the evaluation committee or client has to select only one
contractor. Multiple contractors should not be accepted...

Climate change, driven primarily by carbon dioxide emissions, necessitates urgent action to decarbonize the energy sector. This urgency is highlighted by initiatives such as the European Green Deal aiming for a carbon-neutral European Union by 2050. The transition to green hydrogen contributes to reducing CO2 emissions, particularly in the Netherlands, where initiatives have been outlined but face challenges in execution. This research explores the application of programme management theory to accelerate the execution of green hydrogen value chains. Through literature study and semi-structured interviews, challenges in execution, such as cost, uncertainties, regulation, and lack of integration, are identified. Potential solutions include clarity on costs and regulations, long-term collaboration, improved communication and most importantly connection in the green hydrogen value chain. The application of program management, characterized by grouping projects, aligning objectives, and coordinating resources, emerges as a viable strategy. All the actors in the entire chain need to collaborate and work as one instead of working in isolation. A model is developed to guide the setup of programme management for a green hydrogen value chain, emphasizing clear goals, roles, and communication. This research contributes to filling gaps in the literature and offers practical insights for industry stakeholders to expedite the transition to green hydrogen. Recommendations include collaboration among sectors, regulatory clarity, and utilization of the developed model. Future research could focus on contract formation, broader application of the model, and addressing regulatory challenges at a policy level.

The Hai Phong region is undergoing transformative changes through a Masterplan aimed at enhancing financial stability and improving the quality of life for the local community. A significant component of this Masterplan involves the construction of two new port terminals close to the mangroves of Do Son, a small town southeast of Hai Phong. Mangroves are beneficial in multiple facets. They act as a natural barrier, protecting coastlines from erosion, storm surges, and tsunamis. Additionally, mangroves contribute to water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments, improving overall aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, they provide crucial habitat for various species, supporting biodiversity and serving as nurseries for many marine organisms that benefit the local community. This research investigates the potential implications of the Masterplan using the following research question: What are the potential effects of the Hai Phong Masterplan on the mangrove ecosystems and the local community? Conducted by a multidisciplinary team of six students, this research involved interviews with professionals, locals, and governmental organisations, extensive literature review, and field trips. It was concluded from this research that the construction of the port terminals have far-reaching consequences. In the mangrove area in Bang La (area A), the port terminal will have a sheltering effect over the mangrove area. This will cause sedimentation to occur and thus accretion. Also, it is also expected that the water quality will degrade further due to increased anthropogenic activity in combination with the poor sewage system present. The mangrove area in Ngoc Hai (area B) is expected to have little direct changes. The local community in Do Son shows varied awareness and support for the Masterplan, with stronger support in mangrove area A. Economic benefits, such as increased tourism, drive positive attitudes. However, there is a notable lack of awareness in area B. The willingness to participate is influenced by economic incentives, and effective communication is crucial for shaping community perspectives. With regards to the further execution of the Masterplan it is recommended to incorporate effective waste management, revise reafforestation plans to meet legal obligations, and engage key environmental stakeholders. For further research, it is recommended to conduct measurements over a more extended period of time to better understand the dynamics of the area. Additionally, more detailed research is needed to substantiate assumptions.

This research aims to improve the structural safety of wide floor slabs with openings due to embedded non-structural elements. The multidisciplinary design of these slabs has resulted in various safety issues, including errors in the design due to the absence of a calculation method and insufficient integration between designs of different disciplines. The study assesses the influence of non-structural elements on the bearing capacity of the slab, maps possible errors in the integration process, and proposes an integrated design strategy to resolve safety errors.

The structural analysis focuses on four parameters of the openings (shape, size, longitudinal placement, height placement) and their effects on three failure modes (bending moment failure, shear failure, and interface failure). A workflow of calculation methods is formed to calculate the bearing capacity of a slab with an opening and the influence of the openings are calculated with a case study.

The management analysis assesses the integration process by examining the project process used in the building industry and comparing it to a theoretical process. It was found that the integration of the designs is heavily affected by a phase shift between the structural and mechanical disciplines. This phase shift is caused by multiple disrupting events.

Using the influence of the openings and the disrupting events, an integrated design strategy is proposed, which includes design rules and an adjusted design process. The feasibility and effectiveness of this strategy were assessed by an expert panel, who found it to be feasible if applied to all structural elements, but concluded that it could only mitigate the problems caused by the design shift. Other measures, such as changing the DNR and adapting another project delivery model, may be necessary to fully solve the safety issues.

The purpose of this study was to understand the effect of empathy in the project team on the outcome of the integrated design process of infrastructure projects. Despite years of experience, many infrastructure projects are still underperforming. Within the project lifecycle, the integrated design process has an important role in this. Empathy could be an important tool to improve the outcomes of the integrated design process through communication. This study represents one of the first steps towards a better understanding of this competency as an important tool for project success through the use of serious research gaming. The serious game Patchwork was designed and played for data collection. The research showed that empathy positively influences the degree to which people understand each other's information expectations and the communicative hindrance experienced due to logistical, interpersonal, or accessibility barriers. This is particularly determined by the cognitive side of empathy. In addition, this study shows that sufficient effective communication is necessary for solid project outcomes. Communication seems to serve as a prerequisite for a successful integrated design process. No demonstrable effect was found in the direct relationship of empathy and the outcome of the integrated design process. The line of empathy through communication is not reflected in the direct results. Additionally, this says that influences of empathy on the game results through other processes than communication cannot be demonstrated. However, this study cannot rule out that there was no positive effect of empathy on the outcomes of the integrated design process. Further research with larger datasets needs to conclude what the proportion is of other confounding variables being dominant in game success and how empathy relates to them. All in all, this research has taken first important steps toward recognizing the value of empathy in construction projects and it provides much reason for follow-up research into this topic.

This study aims to create a redevelopment plan for the riverfront of Rosario by proposing a new spatial plan. This redevelopment plan is based on four themes that fall in line with the vision of the municipality in order for the riverfront to reach its full potential. These four themes are accessibility, safety, innovation and sustainability which form the basis for the six initiatives. Aiming for an enhancement of port-city integration and possibly solve some of the technical and social problems the city is facing. To reduce the scale of this research, a smaller scope has been selected which starts from Parque España till Parque de la Arenera. Within this area an attempt will be made to investigate what initiatives are feasible and what value they add. It is proposed to carry out water hubs, the reuse of stranded boats and port elements, a port museum, tourist information boards, water taxis or -buses and the restoration of the riverbanks to also enhance the port-city integration whereof there is a lack of at the moment. To strengthen the initiatives technical feasibility is also performed to the project. It is recommended to further analyse the proposed solutions for enhancing port-city integration and perform a more detailed technical feasibility.

Within this thesis report the transition to LH2 infrastructure at the airport is tackled. Specifically, how the airport can develop and adopt the infrastructure needed for LH2 supply logistics, storage, and refueling is researched. This process can be defined as a socio-technical transition in which a new niche technology (LH2 aviation infrastructure) develops to ultimately replace the incumbent regime (traditional kerosene-based fuel infrastructure). The process of gaining a deeper understanding of how this transition will look is guided by the transition management cycle. The methodological framework of this research followed certain steps of the transition management cycle for a specific case airport in order to explore this transition. The transition to LH2 infrastructure for Schiphol airport was addressed in order to gain in-context knowledge on the transition at hand. An extensive literature review was used in part to develop an initial infrastructure vision for Schiphol. Then, in an iterative manner, expert interviews were used to further develop an infrastructure vision which is expected to work best for the specific environment in which Schiphol finds itself. The opportunities and challenges which are apparent with this infrastructure vision were then defined. These previous findings, along with transition management theory, were used to develop a transition roadmap for Schiphol. The Schiphol-specific infrastructure vision and transition roadmap gave insight into this transition in a specific context and allowed for more general learnings to be gained on the nuances and factors influencing such a transition. The key parameters which determine how LH2 infrastructure will look at an airport along with a generalized transition roadmap were generated with this knowledge.

The way in which the LH2 infrastructural systems for LH2 supply, storage, and refueling will look for an airport are very dependent on a number of factors. Regarding the supply of LH2, an airport needs to consider its geographic proximity to a transport hub; forecasted LH2 demand; and the area, natural resources, and funds available to the airport. Storage methods will largely be based on an optimization of efficiency, required sizing, and safety. And the refueling infrastructure will likely be dependent on LH2 demand, safety considerations, and the funding available. Determining these parameters and thus determining the LH2 infrastructure vision for an airport is a central step in this transition. However, there are many other steps which need to be taken in parallel in order to develop the niche effectively. In the transition roadmap actionable steps regarding developing operational procedures, supply chains, financial sustainability, and policy are all highlighted. Then, there is also a focus on the steps to take to ensure that scaling up of this infrastructure as LH2 aviation adoption increases is addressed.

In modern construction, collaboration has become a key element for the success of projects. Both clients and contractors are aware of the importance of maintaining a solid relationship. However, as collaboration is subject to ambiguous factors that influence both the content of the project and the social elements, it is proven to be difficult to achieve this mission. Elemental differences in the goals, ambitions and responsibilities of clients and contractors during projects still exist and cause differences in perception. One of the elements collaborations are subject to, are external factors. These are especially hard to deal with due to the fact that the occurrence of said factors is beyond the control of the project team. This research provides insight in this volatile environment with the aim to increase the resilience of collaborations by answering the question: “What external factors are present during construction projects that influence the collaboration between client and contractors and how can the impact of these events be reduced up-front?”. To answer this question, a Q-study is performed. As input for this study, a model of the project environment distinguishing the internal and external project environment is created. The model defines 8 domains of external factors which influence client-contractor collaboration: economic, technological and political -context, the parent organisation of both client and contractor, subcontractors, related projects & surroundings and lastly the stakeholders. From the Q-study four perspectives on external factors are retrieved, confirming the difference in perception of the external factors for individuals, based on their respective role and organisations in the collaboration. To reduce the influence of external factors on the dynamics within the project team, a framework of measures to create resilient collaborations is composed. The measures are divided in three categories: preliminary organisation, creating flexibility and attention to soft side. Each category is elaborated on with specific measures and which domains are addressed by implementing these measures. Moreover, the implementation in the project life cycle is explained making the framework directly usable for project organisations.