Explorative Learning in Infrastructure Development Megaprojects

Explorative Learning in Infrastructure Development Megaprojects: The Case of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

Liu, Y. (TU Delft Integral Design & Management)
Houwing, E.J. (TU Delft Integral Design & Management)
Hertogh, M.J.C.M. (TU Delft Integral Design & Management)
Yuan, Ziwei (Nanjing University)
Liu, Huimin (Nanjing University)

2022

Research on explorative learning has primarily focused on the organizational level. Not much research has been done at the megaproject level, which is a more complex form of organizing. Therefore, it is advisable to analyze how the pursuit of explorative learning is enabled at the megaproject level. This research draws upon the case study of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB)—a cross-sea link construction project—to study how explorative learning was achieved and sustained. The findings from archival documents, interviews, and focus group discussions indicate that megaprojects are more likely to increase in complexity but might bring value via more significant learning opportunities. Explorative learning is enacted through the complementary use of owner leadership, collaboration, external resources, and experiments. This research adds to our knowledge of how explorative learning works in practice and highlights its significance in the context of megaprojects.

complexity
explorative learning
HZMB
learning mechanisms
megaproject

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:85f5c832-91c2-4c5f-a258-3eb0365c68b7

https://doi.org/10.1177/87569728211065574

8756-9728

Project Management Journal, 53 (2), 113-127

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2022 Y. Liu, E.J. Houwing, M.J.C.M. Hertogh, Ziwei Yuan, Huimin Liu