Exploring the complexity of highways infrastructure programmes in the United Kingdom through systems thinking
In this study, we seek to conceptualise multi-dimensional impacts of infrastructure investment through case studies of three nationally significant highways programmes in England. We use system thinking principles to characterise socioeconomic and policy impacts that may emerge from the interconnect...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2023-12-01
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| Series: | Project Leadership and Society |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666721523000029 |
| _version_ | 1797385001187147776 |
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| author | Sagarika Bala Prakash Richard Kirkham Anupam Nanda Sarah Coleman |
| author_facet | Sagarika Bala Prakash Richard Kirkham Anupam Nanda Sarah Coleman |
| author_sort | Sagarika Bala Prakash |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In this study, we seek to conceptualise multi-dimensional impacts of infrastructure investment through case studies of three nationally significant highways programmes in England. We use system thinking principles to characterise socioeconomic and policy impacts that may emerge from the interconnectedness of system variables. We consider three ‘complex infrastructure programmes’ in the National Highways portfolio; the A303 Stonehenge Tunnel, the A66 Trans-Pennine upgrade and the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) and illustrate the interdependencies that may be present within and between these programmes using causal models. We identify a set of commonalities between the three programmes, with indications towards potential mechanisms for facilitating economic growth in disparate regions where timely implementation of efficient policies may be achieved. Moreover, we evidence that evaluating impacts through segmented areas of focus such as social, economic and policy may not adequately portray the real impacts of infrastructure investment in a comprehensive way. This research justifies the importance of understanding infrastructure projects as interconnected, complex systems that may deliver desired benefits in a non-linear and highly emergent way. We conclude with a proposition that understanding the characteristics of the larger infrastructure system-of-systems, is crucial to unlocking added value and realising long-term benefits of highways infrastructure investment. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T21:47:49Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-1d80e8fbb4794db3b9290250ebd84185 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2666-7215 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T21:47:49Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Project Leadership and Society |
| spelling | doaj.art-1d80e8fbb4794db3b9290250ebd841852023-12-20T07:39:16ZengElsevierProject Leadership and Society2666-72152023-12-014100081Exploring the complexity of highways infrastructure programmes in the United Kingdom through systems thinkingSagarika Bala Prakash0Richard Kirkham1Anupam Nanda2Sarah Coleman3WSP Ltd, 8 First St, Manchester, M15 4GU, UKDepartment of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester, M139PL, UK; Corresponding author.School of Education, Environment and Development, The University of Manchester, M139PL, UKSchool of Education, Environment and Development, The University of Manchester, M139PL, UKIn this study, we seek to conceptualise multi-dimensional impacts of infrastructure investment through case studies of three nationally significant highways programmes in England. We use system thinking principles to characterise socioeconomic and policy impacts that may emerge from the interconnectedness of system variables. We consider three ‘complex infrastructure programmes’ in the National Highways portfolio; the A303 Stonehenge Tunnel, the A66 Trans-Pennine upgrade and the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) and illustrate the interdependencies that may be present within and between these programmes using causal models. We identify a set of commonalities between the three programmes, with indications towards potential mechanisms for facilitating economic growth in disparate regions where timely implementation of efficient policies may be achieved. Moreover, we evidence that evaluating impacts through segmented areas of focus such as social, economic and policy may not adequately portray the real impacts of infrastructure investment in a comprehensive way. This research justifies the importance of understanding infrastructure projects as interconnected, complex systems that may deliver desired benefits in a non-linear and highly emergent way. We conclude with a proposition that understanding the characteristics of the larger infrastructure system-of-systems, is crucial to unlocking added value and realising long-term benefits of highways infrastructure investment.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666721523000029Benefits managementInfrastructure projectsValue captureSystem thinkingSoft systems methodologySystem-of-Systems |
| spellingShingle | Sagarika Bala Prakash Richard Kirkham Anupam Nanda Sarah Coleman Exploring the complexity of highways infrastructure programmes in the United Kingdom through systems thinking Project Leadership and Society Benefits management Infrastructure projects Value capture System thinking Soft systems methodology System-of-Systems |
| title | Exploring the complexity of highways infrastructure programmes in the United Kingdom through systems thinking |
| title_full | Exploring the complexity of highways infrastructure programmes in the United Kingdom through systems thinking |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the complexity of highways infrastructure programmes in the United Kingdom through systems thinking |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the complexity of highways infrastructure programmes in the United Kingdom through systems thinking |
| title_short | Exploring the complexity of highways infrastructure programmes in the United Kingdom through systems thinking |
| title_sort | exploring the complexity of highways infrastructure programmes in the united kingdom through systems thinking |
| topic | Benefits management Infrastructure projects Value capture System thinking Soft systems methodology System-of-Systems |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666721523000029 |
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