Advancing Digital Transformation through Virtual Project Management: An Evidence-Based Implementation Framework in the Built Environment Industry

Virtual project management (VPM) is an emerging project management approach leveraging advanced digital technologies within the built environment industry. However, there is a lack of an evidence-based framework to guide the successful implementation of VPM. Therefore, this study aims to (1) investigate the critical drivers and barriers of VPM implementation, as well as the differences across different organizational characteristics; (2) identify feasible strategies for the effective implementation of VPM; and (3) develop a structured VPM implementation and strategy framework (VPM-ISF). To achieve the objectives, this study integrated findings from comprehensive literature reviews, expert panel interviews, and empirical analyses to identify the significances and differences of drivers, barriers, and strategies for implementing VPM. The results indicated that the critical drivers include real-time monitoring, off-site inspection capabilities, improved collaboration, and reduced project delays. Significant barriers encompass privacy and data security issues, high costs of system incorporation, and concerns over investments. Prominent strategies involve financial incentives, clear role delineation, and increased research and development. Additionally, these factors were perceived differently across organizational characteristics. To minimize subjective biases, the composite score analysis reveals factors with the highest overall influence by integrating entropy-driven weights with importance ratings. For drivers, fostering collaboration, ensuring schedule reliability, and improving project quality emerged as the most impactful. For barriers, inaccurate data, organizational resistance, and technical challenges dominated, and the most influential strategies included establishing technical standards, hiring specialized talent, and promoting interorganizational knowledge transfer. Finally, the VPM-ISF was developed to holistically integrate these findings into a structured framework. This study deepened the understanding of VPM and laid the foundation for organizations to effectively implement VPM, contributing to the digital transformation and sustainable development of the industry.