Integrating evolutionary game and system dynamics for multi-player safety regulation of major infrastructure projects in China
Abstract
Aiming at safety regulation in the operation of major infrastructure projects (MIPs) to prevent potential risk loss and adverse social impacts, this research presents a novel model integrating evolutionary game and system dynamics (SD) for optimizing safety regulation strategies with different stakeholders involving the operating company (OC), government section (GS), and public under the bounded rationality, where the evolutionary game theory is applied to describe the interactions among stakeholders in the safety regulation of MIPs followed by simulating through adopting the SD to analyze the effects of different strategies on equilibrium solutions and the stability of game equilibrium. In view of the simulation results based on five scenarios, the dynamic penalty-incentive scenario not only effectively restrains the fluctuations of the strategy selection, but also provides an ideal evolutionary stable strategy, in which the OC could nearly choose to comply with the regulations, while the public could nearly choose to supervise the OC as their optimal strategy to prevent risks. All results indicate that the application of the evolutionary game with the SD model is an effective way to analyze the effects of different strategies and provide effective solutions to study complex multi-player game problems. Overall, this research contributes to developing an evolutionary game with the SD model for the safety regulation of MIPs, which can serve as a platform to identify reasonable regulatory strategies with great practical application.
Keyword : major infrastructure projects, safety regulation, evolutionary game analysis, system dynamics, multi-player game
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Ansari, R. (2019). Dynamic simulation model for project change-management policies: Engineering project case. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 145(7), Article 05019008. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)co.1943-7862.0001664
Assaad, R., Ahmed, M. O., El-adaway, I. H., Elsayegh, A., & Siddhardh Nadendla, V. S. (2021). Comparing the impact of learning in bidding decision-making processes using algorithmic game theory. Journal of Management in Engineering, 37(1), Article 04020099. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)me.1943-5479.0000867
Boateng, P., Chen, Z., & Ogunlana, S. O. (2015). An analytical network process model for risks prioritisation in megaprojects. International Journal of Project Management, 33(8), 1795–1811. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.08.007
Bovensiepen, J., & Meitzner Yoder, L. S. (2018). Introduction: The political dynamics and social effects of megaproject development. Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology, 19(5), 381–394. https://doi.org/10.1080/14442213.2018.1513553
Capraro, V., & Perc, M. (2021). Mathematical foundations of moral preferences. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 18, Article 20200880. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2020.0880
Castelblanco, G., Fenoaltea, E. M., De Marco, A., Demagistris, P., Petruzzi, S., & Zeppegno, D. (2024). Combining stakeholder and risk management: Multilayer network analysis for complex megaprojects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 150(2), Article 04023161. https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-13807
Chen, X., Locatelli, G., Zhang, X., Gong, Y., & He, Q. (2022). Firm and project innovation outcome measures in infrastructure megaprojects: An interpretive structural modelling approach. Technovation, 109, Article 102349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2021.102349
Chinese People’s Congress. (2021). The production safety law of the People’s Republic of China. In 29th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress, Beijing, China. https://flk.npc.gov.cn/detail2.html?ZmY4MDgxODE3YTY2YjgxNjAxN2E3OTU2YjdkYjBhZDQ
Coskun, C., Dikmen, I., & Birgonul, M. T. (2023). Sustainability risk assessment in mega construction projects. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 13(5), 700–718. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-10-2022-0153
Dou, Y., Sun, X., Ji, A., Wang, Y., & Xue, X. (2023). Development strategy for prefabricated construction projects: A tripartite evolutionary game based on prospect theory. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(1), 105–124. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-05-2021-0455
Ecem Yildiz, A., Dikmen, I., & Talat Birgonul, M. (2020). Using system dynamics for strategic performance management in construction. Journal of Management in Engineering, 36(2), Article 04019051. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)me.1943-5479.0000744
Eid, M. S., El-adaway, I. H., & Coatney, K. T. (2015). Evolutionary stable strategy for postdisaster insurance: Game theory approach. Journal of Management in Engineering, 31(6), Article 04015005. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)me.1943-5479.0000357
Erol, H., Dikmen, I., Atasoy, G., & Birgonul, M. T. (2020). Exploring the relationship between complexity and risk in megaconstruction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(12), Article 04020138. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)co.1943-7862.0001946
Erol, H., Dikmen, I., Atasoy, G., & Birgonul, M. T. (2022). An analytic network process model for risk quantification of mega construction projects. Expert Systems with Applications, 191, Article 116215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2021.116215
Feng, F., Liu, C., & Zhang, J. (2020). China’s railway transportation safety regulation system based on evolutionary game theory and system dynamics. Risk Analysis, 40(10), 1944–1966. https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.13528
Friedman, B. Y. D. (1991). Evolutionary games in economics. Econometrica: Journal of the Econometric Society, 59(3), 637–666. https://doi.org/10.2307/2938222
Gao, X., Zeng, S., Zeng, R., Shi, J. J., & Song, R. (2022). Multiple-stakeholders’ game and decision-making behaviors in green management of megaprojects. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 171, Article 108392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2022.108392
Guo, F., Chang-Richards, Y., Wilkinson, S., & Li, T. C. (2014). Effects of project governance structures on the management of risks in major infrastructure projects: A comparative analysis. International Journal of Project Management, 32(5), 815–826. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2013.10.001
Guo, S., Zhang, P., & Yang, J. (2018). System dynamics model based on evolutionary game theory for quality supervision among construction stakeholders. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 24(4), 316–328. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2018.3068
He, Z., Huang, D., Fang, J., & Wang, B. (2020). Stakeholder conflict amplification of large-scale engineering projects in China: An evolutionary game model on complex networks. Complexity, 2020, Article 9243427. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/9243427
Ho, S. P., & Hsu, Y. (2014). Bid compensation theory and strategies for projects with heterogeneous bidders: A game theoretic analysis. Journal of Management in Engineering, 30(5), Article 04014022. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000212
Ji, A., Xue, X., Ha, Q. P., Luo, X., & Zhang, M. (2021). Game theory–based bilevel model for multiplayer pavement maintenance management. Automation in Construction, 129, Article 103763. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103763
Jia, A. Y., Rowlinson, S., Loosemore, M., Gilbert, D., & Ciccarelli, M. (2019). Institutional logics of processing safety in production: The case of heat stress management in a megaproject in Australia. Safety Science, 120, 388–401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2019.07.004
Jiang, H., Qiang, M., & Lin, P. (2016). Assessment of online public opinions on large infrastructure projects: A case study of the Three Gorges Project in China. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 61, 38–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2016.06.004
Kardes, I., Ozturk, A., Cavusgil, S. T., & Cavusgil, E. (2013). Managing global megaprojects: Complexity and risk management. International Business Review, 22(6), 905–917. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2013.01.003
Lee, C., Won, J. W., Jang, W., Jung, W., Han, S. H., & Kwak, Y. H. (2017). Social conflict management framework for project viability: Case studies from Korean megaprojects. International Journal of Project Management, 35(8), 1683–1696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.07.011
Li, T. H. Y., Ng, S. T., & Skitmore, M. (2012). Conflict or consensus: An investigation of stakeholder concerns during the participation process of major infrastructure and construction projects in Hong Kong. Habitat International, 36(2), 333–342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2011.10.012
Li, T. H. Y., Ng, S. T., & Skitmore, M. (2013). Evaluating stakeholder satisfaction during public participation in major infrastructure and construction projects: A fuzzy approach. Automation in Construction, 29, 123–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2012.09.007
Li, L., Li, Z., Jiang, L., Wu, G., & Cheng, D. (2018). Enhanced cooperation among stakeholders in PPP mega-infrastructure projects: A China study. Sustainability, 10(8), Article 2791. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10082791
Li, T. H. Y., Thomas Ng, S., & Skitmore, M. (2016). Modeling multi-stakeholder multi-objective decisions during public participation in major infrastructure and construction projects: A decision rule approach. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 142(3), Article 04015087. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001066
Lin, H., Zeng, S., Ma, H., Zeng, R., & Tam, V. W. Y. (2017). An indicator system for evaluating megaproject social responsibility. International Journal of Project Management, 35(7), 1415–1426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.04.009
Liu, Q., Li, X., & Hassall, M. (2015). Evolutionary game analysis and stability control scenarios of coal mine safety inspection system in China based on system dynamics. Safety Science, 80, 13–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2015.07.005
Liu, Q., Li, X., & Meng, X. (2019). Effectiveness research on the multi-player evolutionary game of coal-mine safety regulation in China based on system dynamics. Safety Science, 111, 224–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2018.07.014
Luo, T., Xue, X., & Zhang, M. (2024). Exploring sustainable operations management in major infrastructure projects: The case of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge. Project Management Journal, 55(1), 102–122. https://doi.org/10.1177/87569728231204320
Lv, J., Lin, M., Zhou, W., & Xu, M. (2021). How PPP renegotiation behaviors evolve with traffic changes: Evolutionary game approach. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 147(5), Article 04021032. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002024
Lv, L., Li, H., Wang, Z., Zhang, C., & Qiao, R. (2022). Evolutionary game analysis for rent-seeking behavior supervision of major infrastructure projects based on prospect theory. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 28(1), 6–24. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2021.15852
Ma, L., & Zhang, L. (2020). Evolutionary game analysis of construction waste recycling management in China. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 161, Article 104863. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104863
Meng, H., Liu, X., Xing, J., & Zio, E. (2022). A method for economic evaluation of predictive maintenance technologies by integrating system dynamics and evolutionary game modelling. Reliability Engineering and System Safety, 222, Article 108424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2022.108424
Nana, Z., Xiujian, W., & Zhongqiu, Z. (2022). Game theory analysis on credit risk assessment in e-commerce. Information Processing and Management, 59(1), Article 102763. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ipm.2021.102763
Sheng, Z. (2018). Fundamental theories of mega infrastructure construction management: Theoretical considerations from Chinese practices. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61974-3_3
Sheng, J., Zhou, W., & Zhu, B. (2020). The coordination of stakeholder interests in environmental regulation: Lessons from China’s environmental regulation policies from the perspective of the evolutionary game theory. Journal of Cleaner Production, 249, Article 119385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119385
Shi, Q., Hertogh, M., Bosch-Rekveldt, M., Zhu, J., & Sheng, Z. (2020). Exploring decision-making complexity in major infrastructure projects: A case study from China. Project Management Journal, 51(6), 617–632. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756972820919205
Sun, C., Wang, M., Man, Q., & Wan, D. (2023). Research on the BIM application mechanism of engineering-procurement-construction projects based on a tripartite evolutionary game. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 149(3), Article 04022182. https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-12052
Tan, R., & Hong, K. (2021). Research on extreme dispute decisions of large-scale engineering projects from the perspective of multidimensional preferences. Mathematics, 9(22), Article 2940. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9222940
Tian, Y., Govindan, K., & Zhu, Q. (2014). A system dynamics model based on evolutionary game theory for green supply chain management diffusion among Chinese manufacturers. Journal of Cleaner Production, 80, 96–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.05.076
Wang, Y., Lin, X., & Zang, N. (2009). Research on evolutionary games model for project stakeholders based onrisk-benefit. In 2009 International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering (CIE 2009) (pp. 119–1124). https://doi.org/10.1109/ICCIE.2009.5223950
Wang, H., Cai, L., & Zeng, W. (2011). Research on the evolutionary game of environmental pollution in system dynamics model. Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Artificial Intelligence, 23(1), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/0952813X.2010.506300
Wang, T., Wang, S., Zhang, L., Huang, Z., & Li, Y. (2016). A major infrastructure risk-assessment framework: Application to a cross-sea route project in China. International Journal of Project Management, 34(7), 1403–1415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.12.006
Wang, D., Fu, H., & Fang, S. (2019). The relationship between relational quality and megaproject success: The moderating role of incentives. Engineering Management Journal, 31(4), 257–269. https://doi.org/10.1080/10429247.2019.1624099
Wang, G., Wu, P., Wu, X., Zhang, H., Guo, Q., & Cai, Y. (2020). Mapping global research on sustainability of megaproject management: A scientometric review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 259, Article 120831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120831
Xia, C., Wang, J., Perc, M., & Wang, Z. (2023). Reputation and reciprocity. Physics of Life Reviews, 46, 8–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plrev.2023.05.002
Xue, J., Shen, G. Q., Yang, R. J., Zafar, I., & Ekanayake, E. M. A. C. (2020). Dynamic network analysis of stakeholder conflicts in megaprojects: Sixteen-year case of hong kong-zhuhai-macao bridge. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(9), Article 04020103. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)co.1943-7862.0001895
Xue, J., Shen, G. Q., Li, Y., Han, S., & Chu, X. (2021). Dynamic analysis on public concerns in hong kong-zhuhai-macao bridge: Integrated topic and sentiment modeling approach. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 147(6), Article 04021049. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)co.1943-7862.0002066
Yang, X., Zhang, J., Shen, G. Q., & Yan, Y. (2019). Incentives for green retrofits: An evolutionary game analysis on public-private-partnership reconstruction of buildings. Journal of Cleaner Production, 232, 1076–1092. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.06.014
You, M., Li, S., Li, D., Cao, Q., & Xu, F. (2020). Evolutionary game analysis of coal-mine enterprise internal safety inspection system in China based on system dynamics. Resources Policy, 67, Article 101673. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2020.101673
Yuan, H., & Yang, B. (2022). System dynamics approach for evaluating the interconnection performance of cross-border transport infrastructure. Journal of Management in Engineering, 38(3), Article 04022008. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)me.1943-5479.0001015
Yuan, L., He, W., Degefu, D. M., Liao, Z., Wu, X., An, M., Zhang, Z., & Ramsey, T. S. (2020). Transboundary water sharing problem; a theoretical analysis using evolutionary game and system dynamics. Journal of Hydrology, 582, Article 124521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2019.124521
Zeng, S. X., Ma, H. Y., Lin, H., Zeng, R. C., & Tam, V. W. Y. (2015). Social responsibility of major infrastructure projects in China. International Journal of Project Management, 33(3), 537–548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.07.007
Zeng, W., Wang, H., Li, H., Zhou, H., Wu, P., & Le, Y. (2019). Incentive mechanisms for supplier development in mega construction projects. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 66(2), 252–265. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2018.2808169
Zhang, S., Wang, C., & Yu, C. (2019). The evolutionary game analysis and simulation with system dynamics of manufacturer’s emissions abatement behavior under cap-and-trade regulation. Applied Mathematics and Computation, 355, 343–355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amc.2019.02.080
Zhou, X., Zhao, R., Cheng, L., & Min, X. (2019). Impact of policy incentives on electric vehicles development: A system dynamics-based evolutionary game theoretical analysis. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 21(5), 1039–1053. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-019-01691-3
Zhou, W., Lin, T., & Cai, G. (2020). Guarantor financing in a four-party supply chain game with leadership influence. Production and Operations Management, 29(9), 2035–2056. https://doi.org/10.1111/poms.13196
Zhu, C., Fan, R., & Lin, J. (2020a). The impact of renewable portfolio standard on retail electricity market: A system dynamics model of tripartite evolutionary game. Energy Policy, 136, Article 111072. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111072
Zhu, J., Hertogh, M., Zhang, J., Shi, Q., & Sheng, Z. (2020b). Incentive mechanisms in mega project-risk management considering owner and insurance company as principals. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(10), Article 04020120. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)co.1943-7862.0001915
Zhu, C., Fan, R., Luo, M., Zhang, Y., & Qin, M. (2022a). Simulating policy interventions for different quota targets of renewable portfolio standard: A combination of evolutionary game and system dynamics approach. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 30, 1053–1069. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2022.01.029
Zhu, D., Sze, N. N., Feng, Z., & Yang, Z. (2022b). A two-stage safety evaluation model for the red light running behaviour of pedestrians using the game theory. Safety Science, 147, Article 105600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2021.105600
Zuo, W., Wang, Q., & Li, P. (2022). Rent-seeking decisions of the main participants in construction projects based on evolutionary-game and system dynamics. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 28(2), 106–119. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2022.16159