Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is a modern multivariate analysis technique with a demonstrated ability to estimate theoretically established cause-effect relationship models. This technique has been increasingly adopted in construction management research over the last two decades. Accordingly, a critical review of studies adopting PLS-SEM appears to be a timely and valuable endeavor. This paper offers a critical review of 139 articles that applied PLS-SEM from 2002 to 2019. Results show that the misuse of PLS-SEM can be avoided. Critical issues related to the application of PLS-SEM, research design, model development, and model evaluation are discussed in detail. This paper is the first to highlight the use and misuse of PLS-SEM in the construction management area and provides recommendations to facilitate the future application of PLS-SEM in this field.
The engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) method has the potential to help construction projects achieve sustainable performance, e.g., the contractor’s early involvement, cost savings, and a reduced schedule. However, high uncertainties and complexities are contained in EPC projects. 4D BIM (Building Information Modeling) with abilities to simplify the time and space relationships of construction activities and support multi-party information sharing is beneficial to EPC project management. The behavior pattern of the project personnel toward accepting 4D BIM information systems or tools needs to be explored. Therefore, a research model of the acceptance of 4D BIM in EPC projects with eight latent constructs is proposed through a literature review of technology acceptance theories. Data is collected from a questionnaire survey and interviews. Research hypotheses are examined using PLS-SEM (partial least squares-structural equation modeling). Empirical evidence is collected from China, and implications to the developing countries facing the challenge of developing a technology-intensive construction industry are provided: (1) Adopting 4D BIM in the EPC project is beneficial; (2) the task-technology fit plays a leading role in technology acceptance; (3) the management incentive is inefficient at the operational stage. Suggestions for future research on 4D BIM acceptance in complex construction projects with abundant data and alternative models are provided.
Environmental burdens arise in the whole life cycle of construction. Waste and pollution are produced in the upstream and downstream of a construction project along the supply chains. The interdependency between on-site construction and off-site logistics also leads to an expansion effect of waste when a disturbance occurs. A related supply chain activated by construction activities should be taken into account to improve the sustainability in construction from a material and waste management perspective. However, it is unknown how the supply chain integration could contribute to the sustainable use of materials in construction. Therefore, an empirical investigation is conducted. A research model with eight latent-constructs is designed through a comprehensive literature review, and 70 completed survey questionnaires are received. Using PLS-SEM (partial least squares-structural equation modeling), sample data is analyzed and seven research hypotheses are examined. Results support the assumption that the construction supply chain integration had a positive correlation with the sustainable use of construction materials. Discussion and relevant suggestions are given for the future research.
The Internet-based platform in the construction industry is a carrier for integrated construction information, which positively contributes to the development of smart construction sites (SCS). However, the lack of relevant research results in the ambiguous definition of the construction industry Internet platform. Meanwhile, the current development path of these platforms is also confusing. For this reason, this research first concludes on the main features of Internet-based platforms in the construction industry and puts forward a clear definition. Secondly, a large quantity of literature is overviewed to identify branches of Internet-based platforms as comprehensively as possible. Then, 26 platforms are sorted and classified according to different construction phases. Based on the analytic hierarchy process, an AHP–TOPSIS model, a decision-making method frequently used in the engineering industry, is established with dimensions of technology, demand, policy, and standards. Eventually, the priority of the development of the Internet platform of each segment is sorted, thereby forming the three-stage development path of the construction industry Internet platform, namely Foundation Construction Stage (Platform 1.0), Function Developing Stage (Platform 2.0), Platform Integration Stage (Platform 3.0), and analyzing the characteristics of each development stage. This research opened a clear path for developing Internet-based platforms and providing a basis for formulating development policies for these platforms in the construction industry. With the limitation of an incomprehensive summary of evaluation criteria and platform branches, a better-designed evaluation with more experts in various positions should be conducted in future further research.
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