Critical Review of Studies on Complex Construction Systems

With the frequent occurrence of complexity challenges in implementing project-based activities and processes, more and more studies have been devoted to these issues by adopting a perspective of complex systems theory, as evidenced by the growth of related papers published in the past three decades. Complex construction systems (CCS) management has gradually become an emerging topic of concern in the field of construction project management. This study aims to investigate the current quo and trends of CCS research through a structured literature review. Twenty-four relevant articles published from 1990 to 2022 in three journals, the Project Management Journal, International Journal of Project Management, and IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, were identified and analyzed in terms of the number of articles published annually, country/regional contributions, and research institutions. The analysis results indicate that CCS in the sector of infrastructure and construction has become an important case for research on complex project systems. In terms of country/region contribution, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and China have enjoyed relatively more advantages in CCS research due to involving more publications. Four subtopics are then identified: system analysis and decision-making, system organization and planning, system development and design, and system information management. Regarding research design, CCS research favored the qualitative research design and used real large complex projects as a research base. Finally, conclusions and suggestions for CCS development in the future are provided.