A novel multi-agent conceptual framework for stakeholder management in infrastructure projects

Off-site manufacturing (OSM) has been confirmed as an efficient production approach in the construction industry, benefiting the industry stakeholders in many ways, such as the improved sustainability and productivity [1]. A variety of stakeholders are involved into the development of an OSM project [2], and the successful project implementation requires a highly integrated level of collaboration among the stakeholders [3]. However, limited studies are available to explore this important issue. Therefore, this discussion paper aims to develop a novel multi-agent conceptual framework to facilitate the management of OSM stakeholders. An integrative review method was adopted to achieve the aim. The proposed framework will enrich the current understanding of stakeholder management in OSM projects and promote a new collaborative working platform in a large scale social environment. It also promotes the establishment of the theoretical foundation of collaborative planning in infrastructure projects.