Table A1

Project opportunities categorization

Level 1 categorization (selective coding)Level 2 categorization (axial coding)Level 3 opportunities (initial codes)References
TechnicalDesign improvementsOptimizing technical and technological solutions for design and materialsButsaev et al. (2016) 
Concept design improvements by consolidating processesAnthreas (2023) 
Employing value engineering process to reduce work volume and costs by elevating the finished floor level in challenging subsoil conditionsAnthreas (2023) 
Employ constructability analysis early in the project phasesPillai (2005) 
Introducing smarter technical solutionsAgca and Cotone (2019) 
Removing non-essential project componentsAgca and Cotone (2019) 
Standardization of conceptual designNunes et al. (2016) 
Implementing simplified designsJohansen et al. (2018) 
Integrating constructability into the design phaseAjam (2020) 
Considering fabrication and construction speed when selecting design alternativesAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Robust designs that align with the other solutions selected by the companyJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
Use of standardized design elementsJohansen (2019) 
Digital transformationAutomating valve selection through P&ID data extraction and analysisAffonso et al. (2020) 
Implementation of robotic process automation (RPA) systems for data-centric commissioningAffonso et al. (2020) 
Developing a Business Intelligence Dashboard for automated cargo handling checksAffonso et al. (2020) 
Utilizing natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence (AI) for semantic search in data-centric engineering processesAffonso et al. (2020) 
Implementing digital approaches for site materials management (barcode-GPS tracking systems, structured Work Breakdown Structures that integrate geographical and functional dimensions, centralized material data management)Tamat and Baharudin (2022) 
Harnessing technologies (building information modeling (BIM), 3D printing, virtual reality (VR), cloud computing, and augmented reality (AR))Musarat et al. (2024) 
Leveraging blockchain technology in construction managementGao et al. (2023) 
Use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in construction managementAhmed (2019) 
Engineering/construction practicesDevelopment of a 3D model-centered weight management systemAffonso et al. (2020) 
Extending the use of 3D models for detailed construction studies and planningAffonso et al. (2020) 
Transition from site-cast production to prefabrication construction methodsJohansen et al. (2018), Schaufelberger and Holm (2024) 
Improving accessibility to the construction siteHietajärvi et al. (2017) 
Implementing 4D modeling to develop diverse construction scenarios based on schedule alternativesPujanova et al. (2023) 
Conducting Constructability reviews based on advanced work packaging (AWP) and critical chain methodologiesPujanova et al. (2023) 
Use of modularizationAjam (2020), Pujanova et al. (2023), Schaufelberger and Holm (2024) 
Selection of appropriate construction methodsAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Adoption of an industrial offsite production mode, as opposed to traditional on-site executionGao et al. (2019) 
Utilizing 4D BIM from early project phasesJin et al. (2019) 
Promoting technology reuseHillson (2019) 
Specifications optimizationStandardization of project specifications for major topside equipment and bulk materialsLee and Chakala (2019) 
Optimizing project specifications of equipment and materialsAnthreas (2023) 
Downgrading general specifications and waiving stringent conditions by using manufacturer's standardsAgca and Cotone (2019) 
Reviewing redundancy and spare parts requirementsAgca and Cotone (2019) 
Adjusting spare parts management approachesAgca and Cotone (2019) 
Changing materials and reducing finish qualityJohansen et al. (2018) 
SustainabilityTriggering additional energy-efficiency measuresJohansen et al. (2018) 
Achieving project lifecycle operational efficiency through specific technical decisionsJohansen (2019) 
Technological innovationExperiencing simplified technical solutions from new market entrantsJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
Applying technical innovation or alternative technologiesLechler et al. (2012), Johansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012), Hietajärvi et al. (2017) 
ManagementProject planning and executionImproving the accuracy of construction cost estimationButsaev et al. (2016) 
Projects should be ready to advance other activities when such opportunities ariseChapman and Ward (2004) 
Postponing infrastructure construction until production needs are confirmedButsaev et al. (2016) 
Developing pilot projectsButsaev et al. (2016) 
Executing commissioning in phasesButsaev et al. (2016) 
Involving subcontractors early in planning and design phasesMartin and Benson (2021) 
Enhancing subcontractors' engagement in innovative projects to contribute their own ideas and technologiesMartin and Benson (2021) 
Using the Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) method instead of the traditional Critical Path Method (CPM)Jo et al. (2018) 
Executing front-end loading (FEL) for business opportunity identification and risk mitigationBastianelli et al. (2013) 
Implementing a carbon-copy project strategyPinto et al. (2017) 
Applying Critical Issues Analysis to identify project optimization opportunities in the HSSE fieldGreen and Woolson (2016) 
Shifting from a ‘FEED as a minimum' mindset enables design optimizationHaider et al. (2016) 
Recording additional engineering man-hours incurred from the Owner's delayed approval of critical engineering deliverablesAnthreas (2023) 
Initiating early engineering activities prior to EPC contract signingAgca and Cotone (2019) 
Applying value-improving practices in the early stages of a projectPujanova et al. (2023) 
Conducting construction/operation readiness planningPujanova et al. (2023) 
Using two shifts during construction for critical activitiesEldosouky et al. (2014) 
Early involvement of operations and maintenance personnel in the design review processEgbelakin et al. (2021) 
Involving contractors and subcontractors from the conceptual design phase to address constructability issuesEgbelakin et al. (2021) 
Early engagement of designers and general contractors in preconstruction servicesSchaufelberger and Holm (2024) 
Coordination planning during the design phaseAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Planning of procurement of long-lead itemsAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Allocation of sufficient resources for critical path itemsAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Identification and management of additional fast-track risksAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Timely selection and awarding of contracts to subcontractorsAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Focusing procurement decisions on construction needs and prioritiesAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Eliminating unnecessary resources that do not add value to the clientLeszczyński and Wodzisławska (2017) 
Good planning and execution contribute to increased and better resource availability and level of resources' competenceJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
Reducing construction duration and coordination interfaces streamlines project executionJohansen (2019) 
Use of reliability buffering instead of contingency bufferingPark and Peña-Mora (2004), Lee et al. (2006) 
Knowledge managementDisseminating experience and knowledge at both organizational and individual levelsMancini and Derakhshanalavijeh (2017) 
Implementing “Reverse Mentoring”Affonso et al. (2020) 
Creating comprehensive lessons learned reportsAgca and Cotone (2019) 
Procedures and documentationIdentifying alternative resources by the owner to review and approve contractor's engineering documentsAl Hammadi and Saud (2014) 
Collaboration of multidisciplinary teams to rewrite corporate engineering guidelines into machine-verifiable requirementsAffonso et al. (2020) 
Establishing documents to be reviewed and approved by the ownerCohen and Obi (2017) 
Presenting technical procedures in task or checklist formatsCohen and Obi (2017) 
Conducting document reviews through presentations and workshopsCohen and Obi (2017) 
Promoting Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) as primary project roadmapsCohen and Obi (2017) 
Focusing on capturing project-specific parameters and essential documentationCohen and Obi (2017) 
Implementing structured procedures for proposal-project team handoverAgca and Cotone (2019) 
Implementing a formal document and change control process to manage modificationsEgbelakin et al. (2021) 
Simplifying approval processesAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
ResourcingCreating a resource databankAl Hammadi and Saud (2014) 
Selecting team members based on leadership skills and previous relevant experienceAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Dedicating full-time personnel to projectsAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Access to more competent resources, such as skilled personnel and experienced workforce from retired staff membersJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
Use of more experienced resources for early deliveryHillson (2019) 
Seasonal peaks of availability of skilled laborHillson (2019) 
Utilization of skilled staff from other endeavors executed simultaneouslyHillson (2019) 
CommunicationEstablishing trust-based relationships between owner and contractorZaghloul and Hartman (2003), Wong et al. (2008) 
Provision of sufficient information to project team members to clearly define project scope, outline owner/contractor responsibilities, and address the owner's risks and needsEgbelakin et al. (2021) 
Establish clear communication channels between the design team, client, and other project membersEgbelakin et al. (2021) 
Open communication and full transparencyAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
OrganizationImproved work practices can enhance maintenance possibilities and provide benefits to societyHietajärvi et al. (2017) 
Well-organized team structure that is essential for successAjam (2020) 
Improving management performanceJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
Creating an efficient teamJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
Improving work methodsJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
Program/portfolio managementUse of project fragmentation strategy, where large capital development projects are broken down into smaller lots and managed by engaging multiple contractorsOgbeifun et al. (2018) 
Coordinating with other projects to reduce investment costsJohansen (2019) 
Adopting standardized processes and methodologies across projectsLechler et al. (2012) 
Concurrent execution of projectsHillson (2019) 
Project managementA solution to a threat was identified as opportunity by another department within the organizationChapman and Ward (2004) 
Introducing opportunity studies at both the project and contract levelsJohansen et al. (2018) 
Investigating external cost optimizationJohansen et al. (2018) 
Systematic change management to control project scope changesAjam (2020) 
utilizing the Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) to assess the completeness of front-end planningAjam (2020) 
Establishing a fully integrated team throughout all project phases (design, construction, commissioning, etc.)Austin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Maximizing authority at the project levelAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Capturing opportunities arising from accelerated schedulesJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
Enhancing quality control through fewer mistakes and change orders than anticipatedJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
CommercialContractual approachesAdopting alternative contractual approaches (EPCm, EPC with procurement on a reimbursable basis and construction on an actual man-hours basis, E&P by the owner with separate engagement of a construction contractor) vs traditional EPC methodsRamana (2006) 
Involving the owner more extensively in various aspects of project executionRamana (2006) 
Reducing risk and price disparities during tender negotiations with subcontractorsMartin and Benson (2021) 
Engaging a third-party facilitator for optimizing contract terms and risk assessmentsBastianelli et al. (2013) 
Performing value engineering with cost-saving sharing schemes, especially for projects with low profitsAnthreas (2023), Agca and Cotone (2019) 
Using risk optimization contracts such as “reimbursable with incentive scheme” and “Converted LSTK” (Lump Sum Turnkey)Agca and Cotone (2019) 
Setting clear and specific contractual requirementsAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Establishing clear change management proceduresAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Early funding allocation for critical effortsAustin et al. (2016), Pishdad-Bozorgi et al. (2016) 
Negotiating cost-sharing agreements with other project stakeholders, such as local authorities and private landownersJohansen (2019) 
Implementing a risk (pain)/ reward (gain) model with upside/downside caps for both cost and non-cost project targetsLove et al. (2011) 
InsuranceOptimizing erection-all-risk (EAR) insurance premiums, by adopting strategies such as shortening the coverage period during low-risk early works and replacing it with an alternate EAR policyAnthreas (2023) 
Management of construction-all-risk and erection-all-risk (EAR) insurance by the contractor, rather than the ownerAgca and Cotone (2019) 
PartnershipsFostering cooperation and partnerships with external organizationsButsaev et al. (2016) 
Collaborating with local contractors when entering new marketsAgca and Cotone (2019) 
Collaborating with low-cost subcontractors who already have established relationships allows companies to mitigate risks while capitalizing on their highly qualified internal staffKolltveit et al. (2004) 
Implementing projects in partnershipPujanova et al. (2023) 
Fostering collaborative relationships through partnering initiativesAjam (2020) 
Construction joint ventures between local and foreign contractorsZhang and Zou (2007) 
Forming strategic alliances for innovationJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
Cooperation with new projects in the nearby areaJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
Suppliers and vendorsLeveraging suppliers from low-cost countriesCharron and Gérard (2009) 
Expanding the project vendor list to include more competitive vendorsAgca and Cotone (2019) 
Exploiting material discounts for bulk purchasesEldosouky et al. (2014) 
Experiencing lower-than-expected bids from new market entrantsJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
Implementing common procurement practicesJohansen (2019), Johansen et al. (2012) 
Utilizing outsourcingHillson (2019) 
Use of previous successful collaborations in supply chainHillson (2019) 
ExternalLocal communitiesEngaging in project value co-creation for both project organizations and local communitiesMancini and Derakhshanalavijeh (2017) 
Temporary employment of local unskilled personnel in various labor tasksMichel et al. (2016) 
Integrate sustainability into value management through reduction, reuse, and recycling of construction and demolition wasteYu et al. (2018) 
CompetitionEntering new marketsButsaev et al. (2016) 
Adherence of construction firms to social procurement policiesLoosemore et al. (2022) 
Early market penetrationLechler et al. (2012) 
Future project business opportunities have the potential to generate value beyond the current projectLechler et al. (2012) 
LegislationObtaining additional benefits according to legislation (exceptions in export custom duties and extraction taxes, favorable regulatory conditions, etc.)Butsaev et al. (2016) 
FinancialFavorable financial conditions such as currency, inflation, and taxationJohansen et al. (2012) 
Source(s): Authors' own work

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