Strengthening construction project outcomes through BIM integration and technology recombination: the role of decision-making and safety measures

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of network embeddedness, BIM adoption and project definition on project performance. Specifically, it examines the mediating role of project uncertainty and DME, along with the moderating influence of technology recombination and safety measures. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research approach was used, with data collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 380 employees working in the construction sector. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS was used to analyze the data and test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results show that all hypotheses were accepted, demonstrating that network embeddedness, BIM adoption and project definition significantly positive impact project performance. Furthermore, project uncertainty was found to mediate the relationships between these factors and project performance, while DME played a crucial role in this process. Technology recombination and safety measures moderated the relationships between project uncertainty and project performance, as well as DME. Originality/value This study contributes to the construction management literature by offering a comprehensive model that integrates network embeddedness, BIM adoption, project definition and decision-making efficiency. Technological recombination is analyzed as a moderator variable since it increases the adaptability and potential for project innovation, especially in complex and dynamic construction settings. In contrast to the fixed adoption of single technologies, technological recombination is an active capability representing a firm’s ability to strategically reconfigure and combine established and emergent technologies to better cope with changing project requirements. This ability assists in faster decision-making and allows construction teams to manage uncertainty better through innovation and responsiveness. Placing technological recombination as a moderator, the study seeks to identify how adaptive and flexible technology strategies affect the interaction between project uncertainty and decision-making effectiveness. The method provides more profound findings regarding the impact of technological flexibility in influencing project performance under different circumstances, bridging a significant gap in current project management research. The findings have significant implications for both theory and practice, providing actionable insights for improving project performance.