Integrated Decision-Making in Aec-Em: Mechanisms, Pathways, And Value Enhancement

The architecture, engineering, construction, and economic management (AEC-EM) sectors are to incorporate integrated decision-making (IDM) for project value enhancement (PVE). In this paper, it is conducted with the view of consolidating research on the mechanisms and pathways through which IDM achieves PVE. The study builds a theoretical basis for core IDM and PVE concepts from system integration, value engineering, and stakeholder theory. Among other factors, the paper identified key mechanisms contributing to the effect: reduced information asymmetry, lower coordination costs, optimized design and construction, and general performance of the project in resources utilization. Among others, the primary pathways of implementing IDM are discussed: integrated project delivery (IPD), building information modeling (BIM), early contractor involvement (ECI) and relational contracting. Another novelty of the review is the consideration of multi-dimensional project value assessment above traditional metrics. Research focus of the current studies is also unveiled: digitalization and sustainability. Lastly, it indicates the research voids, like the measure of intangible value and the socio-technical IDM, suggesting the directions of future studies to bridge the theory-practice divide and foster more value creation in AEC-EM projects