Evaluating and Prioritizing Management and Process Strategies for Integrating Sustainability in Construction Project Management: A Kano–Model Study in Iraq
Main Article Content
Abstract
Integrating sustainability in construction project management requires practical, management-oriented approaches addressing environmental, economic and operational challenges. This study is a review and prioritization of management and process strategies involved in integrating the concept of sustainability into construction projects. The research methodology included a systematic literature review, followed by expert validation with an open-ended questionnaire, and a closed-ended questionnaire that was distributed among 83 professionals. The information obtained was examined by applying the Kano model and Timko indices to rank and prioritize strategies according to their impact on stakeholder satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The results show that strategies which are resource efficiency, construction waste reduction, environmental compliance and site safety management were found to be high impact Attractive attributes with good potential to improve feelings for stakeholders. In addition, three strategies that were originally considered Indifferent in the Kano model were identified as Attractive using Timko analysis which shows their increased importance in operational sustainability practices. This study presents an empirically-based prioritization framework that provides good information for construction decision-makers to give guidance on the most influential strategies for sustainable project delivery.
Downloads
Article Details
Section
How to Cite
References
Aarseth, W., Ahola, T., Aaltonen, K., Økland, A., and Andersen, B., 2017. Project sustainability strategies: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Project Management, 35(6), pp. 1071–1083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2016.11.006.
Adelakun, N.O., and Omolola, S.A., 2025. Predictive maintenance for energy systems in built environments using deep learning models. Proceedings of the 2nd International Facilities Engineering & Management Conference, Exhibition, AGM (IFEMCE 2024) https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5133721.
Aigwi, I.E., Duberia, A., and Nwadike, A.N., 2023. Adaptive reuse of existing buildings as a sustainable tool for climate change mitigation within the built environment. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 56, P. 102945. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2022.102945.
Al Harazi, A.K., Zhang, W., Shah, S.A.A., Al Asbahi, A.A.M.H., Al Harazi, Y.K., and Alwan, S.Y., 2022. Multidimensional study of factors influencing sustainable construction adoption in Yemen: insights for implementing sustainable practices. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(8), pp. 20650–20672. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-
23558-9.
Alafeef, D.M., 2024. Critical success factors for successful construction project management: a comprehensive evaluation. Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review, 5(2), P. e02802. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v5.n02.pe02802.
Al-Rudainy, A.S.A., and Mahjoob, A.M.R., 2024. Using building information modelling to optimise design quality of natural lighting in Iraqi school buildings. Organization, Technology and Management in Construction: an International Journal, 16(1), pp. 52–62. https://doi.org/10.2478/otmcj-2024-0004.
Al-Shammari, M., Al-juboori, O.A., and Erzaij, K., 2024. Analytical comparison of leading sustainability systems in the Iraqi environment. E3S Web of Conferences, 586, P. 01003. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202458601003.
Amadi-Echendu, J.E., Willett, R., Brown, K., Hope, T., Lee, J., Mathew, J., Vyas, N., and Yang, B.S., 2010. What is engineering asset management? pp. 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84996-178-3_1.
Arabpour, S. and Silvius, G., 2023. Sustainability interventions of construction project managers—establishing a minimum baseline. Sustainability, 15(12), P. 9795. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129795.
Ayarkwa, J., Joe Opoku, D.G., Antwi-Afari, P., and Li, R.Y.M., 2022. Sustainable building processes’ challenges and strategies: The relative important index approach. Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 7, P. 100455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2022.100455.
Benton-Short, L., 2023. Sustainability and sustainable development: An introduction. Bloomsbury Publishing PLC.
Bilgili, B., and Ünal, S., 2008. Kano model application for classifying the requirements of university students. In: Proceedings of the MIBES 2008 Conference. June 2008, pp. 155–171.
Carvalho, M.M., and Rabechini, R., 2017. Can project sustainability management impact project success? An empirical study applying a contingent approach. International Journal of Project Management, 35(6), pp. 1120–1132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.02.018.
Chan, A.P.C., Darko, A., and Ameyaw, E.E., 2017. Strategies for promoting green building technologies adoption in the construction industry – an international study. Sustainability, 9(6), P. 969. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9060969.
Chen, C.C., and Chuang, M.C., 2008. Integrating the Kano model into a robust design approach to enhance customer satisfaction with product design. International Journal of Production Economics, 114(2), pp. 667–681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2008.02.015.
Cho, J.H., and Kim, B.S., 2022. Determining via the Kano Model the importance of quality characteristics in construction management. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 26(6), pp. 2555–2566. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-022-1830-6.
Dash, S.K., and Mahajan, R., 2024. Demystifying the importance of attributes of smartphone among Gen Z applying Kano model and conjoint analysis. Academy of Marketing Studies Journal, 28(5), pp. 1–13.
Dash, S.K., 2021. Identifying and classifying attributes of packaging for customer satisfaction-A Kano Model Approach. International Journal of Production Management and Engineering, 9(1), P. 57. https://doi.org/10.4995/ijpme.2021.13683.
Dash, S.K., Singh, R., and Pund, R., 2022. Estimation of factors influencing students’ preference for B-school – application of Kano model. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(8), pp. 10083–10094.
Eriksson, P.E., Olander, S., Szentes, H., and Widén, K., 2014. Managing short-term efficiency and long-term development through industrialized construction. Construction Management and Economics, 32(1–2), pp. 97–108. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2013.814920.
Gan, X., Zuo, J., Ye, K., Skitmore, M., and Xiong, B., 2015. Why sustainable construction? Why not? An owner’s perspective. Habitat International, 47, pp. 61–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2015.01.005.
Gunduz, M., Birgonul, M.T., and Ozdemir, M., 2017. Fuzzy structural equation model to assess construction site safety performance. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 143(4). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001259.
Häkkinen, T., and Belloni, K., 2011. Barriers and drivers for sustainable building. Building Research & Information, 39(3), pp. 239–255. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2011.561948.
Hallowell, M.R., and Gambatese, J.A., 2010. Qualitative research: application of the Delphi method to CEM research. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 136(1), pp. 99–107. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000137.
Kabirifar, K., Mojtahedi, M., Wang, C., and Tam, V.W.Y., 2020. Construction and demolition waste management contributing factors coupled with reduce, reuse, and recycle strategies for effective waste management: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 263, P. 121265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121265.
Kano, N., Seraku, N., Takahashi, F., and Tsuji, S., 1984. Attractive quality and must-be quality. Hinshitsu: The Journal of the Japanese Society for Quality Control, 14, pp. 39–48.
Khalifeh, A., Farrell, P., and Al-edenat, M., 2020. The impact of project sustainability management (PSM) on project success. Journal of Management Development, 39(4), pp. 453–474. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-02-2019-0045.
Kibert, C.J., 2022. Sustainable construction: green building design and delivery. 5th ed. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Krainer, J.A., Krainer, C.W.M., Vidolin, A.C., Hasse, F.K., Romanel, F.B., and Romano, C.A., 2021. Construction supply chain management: A scoping review. Ambiente Construído, 21(4), pp. 343–365. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1678-86212021000400573.
Madzík, P., Budaj, P., Mikuláš, D., and Zimon, D., 2019. Application of the Kano Model for a better understanding of customer requirements in higher education – a pilot study. Administrative Sciences, 9(1), P. 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci9010011.
Malik, A., Mbewe, P.B.K., Kavishe, N., Mkandawire, T., and Adetoro, P., 2024. Sustainable construction practices in building infrastructure projects: the extent of implementation and drivers in Malawi. Sustainability, 16(24), P. 10825. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162410825.
Altuma, M., Lateef, H.A., and Al-Yousuf, A., 2024. Assessment tools of sustainable buildings projects: a review. Al Rafidain Journal of Engineering Sciences, 2(2), pp. 168–184. https://doi.org/10.61268/e6e3b258.
Münster, P., and Grabkowsky, B., 2023. Kano Model analysis of digital on-farm technologies for climate adaptation and mitigation in livestock farming. Sustainability, 16(1), P. 268. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010268.
Nebrida, J., and Gomba, F.E., 2023. Sustainable construction strategies for building construction projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain: a model. Sustainable Engineering and Innovation, 5(1), pp. 31–47. https://doi.org/10.37868/sei.v5i1.id193.
Nigel, F.T., and Longe, O.M., 2021. Smart energy efficient lighting system for smart buildings. In: 2021 IEEE PES/IAS Power Africa. IEEE. pp. 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1109/PowerAfrica52236.2021.9543273.
Nnaji, C., Lee, H.W., Karakhan, A., and Gambatese, J., 2018. Developing a decision-making framework to select safety technologies for highway construction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 144(4). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001466.
Ofori, G., and Kien, H.L., 2004. Translating Singapore architects’ environmental awareness into decision making. Building Research & Information, 32(1), pp. 27–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613210210132928.
Okoli, C., and Pawlowski, S.D., 2004. The Delphi method as a research tool: an example, design considerations and applications. Information & Management, 42(1), pp. 15–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2003.11.002.
Olanipekun, A.O., 2017. Motivating project owners to increase their commitment towards improving the delivery performance of green building projects. Queensland University of Technology. https://doi.org/10.5204/thesis.eprints.112501.
Palumbo, F., Dominici, G., and Basile, G., 2014. The culture on the palm of your hand. pp. 225–244. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-5007-7.ch011.
Rajab, N.D., and Breesam, H.K., 2025. Identifying key standards for sustainable school design in Iraq: a survey and statistical analysis. Journal of Engineering, 31(4), pp. 27–43. https://doi.org/10.31026/j.eng.2025.04.03.
Sapuan, N.M., Haron, N.F., Vija Kumaran, V., Saudi, N.S., and Ridzuan, A.R., 2022. green building best practices in achieving energy and environmental sustainability. Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, 11(4), P. 74. https://doi.org/10.5296/emsd.v11i4.21052.
Sauerwein, E., Bailom, F., Matzler, K., and Hinterhuber, H.H., 1996. The Kano model: How to delight your customers. In: Preprints Volume I of the IX International Working Seminar on Production Economics. Igls/Innsbruck, Austria, pp. 313–327.
Shen, L., Tam, V.W.Y., Tam, L., and Ji, Y., 2010. Project feasibility study: the key to successful implementation of sustainable and socially responsible construction management practice. Journal of Cleaner Production, 18(3), pp. 254–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2009.10.014.
Sherratt, F., and Farrell, P., 2022. Introduction to construction management. London: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003175445.
Shi, Q., Zuo, J., and Zillante, G., 2012. Exploring the management of sustainable construction at the programme level: a Chinese case study. Construction Management and Economics, 30(6), pp. 425–440. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2012.683200.
Shooshtarian, S., Caldera, S., Maqsood, T., and Ryley, T., 2020. Using recycled construction and demolition waste products: a review of stakeholders’ perceptions, decisions, and motivations. Recycling, 5(4), P. 31. https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling5040031.
Spool, J.M., 2011. Understanding the Kano model – a tool for sophisticated designers. [online] Available at: http://www.uie.com/articles/kano_model/
Stanitsas, M., and Kirytopoulos, K., 2023. Investigating the significance of sustainability indicators for promoting sustainable construction project management. International Journal of Construction Management, 23(3), pp. 434–448. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2021.1887718.
Stanitsas, M., Kirytopoulos, K., and Leopoulos, V., 2021. Integrating sustainability indicators into project management: The case of construction industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 279, P. 123774. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123774.
Strumiłło, K., 2016. Adaptive reuse of buildings as an important factor of sustainable development. pp. 51–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41941-1_5.
Tafesse, S., Girma, Y.E., and Dessalegn, E., 2022. Analysis of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of construction waste and management practices. Heliyon, 8(3), P. e09169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09169.
Timko, M.A., 1993. Kano’s model: how to delight your customers. Center for Quality of Management.
Van Doren, D., Giezen, M., Driessen, P.P.J., and Runhaar, H.A.C., 2016. Scaling-up energy conservation initiatives:
Barriers and local strategies. Sustainable Cities and Society, 26, pp. 227–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2016.06.009.
Vivian W.Y., T., 2011. Rate of reusable and recyclable waste in construction. The Open Waste Management Journal, 4(1), pp. 28–32. https://doi.org/10.2174/1876400201104010028.
Walden, D., Berger, C. and Blauth, R., 1993. Kano’s methods for understanding customer-defined quality. Center for quality of management journal, 2(4), pp.3-36.
Xiahou, X., Tang, Y., Yuan, J., Chang, T., Liu, P., and Li, Q., 2018. Evaluating social performance of construction projects: an empirical study. Sustainability, 10(7), P. 2329. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10072329.
Yu, M., Zhu, F., Yang, X., Wang, L., and Sun, X., 2018. Integrating sustainability into construction engineering projects: perspective of sustainable project planning. Sustainability, 10(3), P. 784. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10030784.
Zuo, J., and Zhao, Z.-Y., 2014. Green building research–current status and future agenda: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 30, pp. 271–281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2013.10.021.
