Research & Projects

Introduction

Professor James Rotimi is an internationally recognised researcher in Construction Economics, Project Management, and Sustainable Built Environment Studies. His research addresses real-world challenges in construction systems, disaster reconstruction, and circular economy — bridging academic insight with industry practice.

With over 240 peer-reviewed publications and more than NZD 12 million in research funding, Professor Rotimi’s scholarly contributions have significantly influenced both policy and professional practice in New Zealand and abroad.

Research Focus Areas

1. Construction Economics and Project Management

  • Cost planning, construction productivity, and project delivery systems

  • Performance improvement across construction organisations

  • Project governance and contract management

2. Sustainability and Circular Economy

  • Circular design principles in construction

  • Resource efficiency and waste minimisation

  • Transition pathways toward net-zero built environments

3. Post-Disaster Reconstruction and Resilience

  • Frameworks for housing and infrastructure recovery

  • Community resilience in post-disaster rebuilding

  • Comparative disaster recovery models (New Zealand, Africa, Asia-Pacific)

4. Facilities and Asset Management

  • Lifecycle management of buildings and infrastructure

  • Maintenance optimisation and digital asset monitoring

  • BIM integration for facilities performance

5. Construction Supply Chain and Procurement

  • Risk management and collaboration in construction networks

  • Innovation and knowledge transfer between industry and academia

Research Grants & Funded Projects

Civil Infrastructure Network Asset Creation, Maintenance, Upgrades, and Renewals

2025–2028

Role: Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)
Funding Body: Massey University Alumni Doctoral Scholarship
Value: NZD 75,000
Summary: Developing integrated frameworks for asset management and renewal within New Zealand’s civil infrastructure networks.

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Civil Infrastructure Network Asset Creation Maintenance Upgrades

Risk Management Framework for Renewable Energy Project Investment

2024–2027

Role: Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)
Funding Body: Massey University Doctoral Scholarship
Value: NZD 75,000
Summary: Establishing a structured model for evaluating investment risk in renewable energy construction projects.

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Risk Management Framework for Renewable Energy Project Investment pic

Pipeline Projects in New Zealand Post-Covid

2022–2024

Role: Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)
Funding Body: CanConstructNZ Research Scholarship
Value: NZD 23,000
Summary: Assessing the long-term resilience and performance of pipeline infrastructure in the post-pandemic economy.

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Pipeline Projects in New Zealand Post Covid pic

Creating Capacity and Capability for the New Zealand Construction Sector

2020–2025

Role: Work Package Lead
Funding Body: MBIE Endeavour Grant
Value: NZD 9.9 Million
Summary: Large-scale national project enhancing workforce skills, innovation, and productivity in New Zealand’s construction industry.

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Creating Capacity and Capability for the New Zealand Construction pic

Determinants of Construction Organisations’ Performance in New Zealand

2018–2022

Role: Principal Investigator (PI)
Funding Body: Higher Education Commission Scholarship Fund
Value: NZD 110,000
Summary: Investigating organisational drivers of efficiency and resilience in New Zealand’s construction companies.

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Determinants of Construction Organisations Performance in New Zealand pic

Building Information Modelling (BIM) Training and Knowledge Transfer

2016–2017

Role: Principal Investigator (PI)
Funding Body: Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF)
Value: NZD 14,000
Summary: Developing BIM-based educational models to enhance construction management training and industry readiness.

View Project
Building Information Modelling BIM Training and Knowledge Transfer pic

Supervision and Mentorship

Professor Rotimi is deeply involved in research supervision and postgraduate mentoring. He has supervised:

  • 12+ PhD completions (as Principal Supervisor)

  • 4 current PhD candidates

  • Over 150 Masters dissertations and research theses

  • Examiner and reviewer for multiple international PhD theses

His supervision focuses on applied research in construction economics, sustainability, and post-disaster resilience — helping students build impactful, industry-relevant projects.

Publications and Research Outputs

2025 Publications

  • Seran, K., Rotimi, J., & Le, A. (2025). Decision making support tool for renewable energy prioritization to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs): Conceptual framework. Energy and Environmental Sustainability, 1(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eesus.2025.100044

  • Elkhidir, E., Rotimi, J.O.B., Patel, T., Moshood, T.D., & Wilkinson, S. (2025). Toward standardised construction pipeline data: Conceptual minimum dataset framework. Buildings, 15(15). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152797

  • Hettiarachchi, I., Rotimi, J.O.B., Shahzad, W.M., & Kahandawa, R. (2025). Bridging sustainability and performance: Conceptualizing net-zero integration in construction supply chain evaluations. Sustainability, 17(13). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135814

  • Elkhidir, E., Patel, T., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2025). Predictive modelling for residential construction demands using ElasticNet Regression. Buildings, 15(10). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101649

  • Likita, A. J., Jelodar, M. B., Vishnupriya, V., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2025). A guideline for BIM and lean integrated construction practice. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 14(4), 1264-1291. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-03-2024-0098

  • Rotimi, F. E., Silva, C., Ramanayaka, C. E. D., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2025). Digital Technology Knowledge Transfer Enablers Amongst End-Users in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Organisations: New Zealand Insights. Buildings, 15(5). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050772

  • Moshood, T. D., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Shahzad, W. (2025). Impact of information quality on strategic decision-making in construction organization. Management Research Review, 48(4), 578-603. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-06-2024-0422

  • Ali, W., Samarasinghe, D. A. S., Feng, Z., Wilkinson, S., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2025). A systematic literature review on digital transformation in real estate. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-04-2024-0111

2024 Publications

  • Rasheed, N., Shahzad, W. M., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2024). Factor Analysis of Risk Allocation Criteria (RAC) in PPP Projects: A Case of New Zealand. Construction Economics and Building, 24(4-5), 142-159. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5130/AJCEB.v24i4/5.9021

  • Ndlovu, P., Rotimi, J.O.B., & Ramachandra, T. (2024). Quantity Surveyors’ Approaches to Minimising Uncertainty and Safeguarding Project Delivery. Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 14(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.32738/JEPPM-2024-0033

  • Rasheed, N., Shahzad, W. M., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2024). Risk Management Capability for Risk Allocation in Social Infrastructure PPPs. Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 14(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.32738/JEPPM-2024-0034

  • Moshood, T. D., Rotimi, J.O.B., & Shahzad, W. (2024). Pipeline Projects: Matters Arising in the New Zealand Construction Industry. Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 14(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.32738/JEPPM-2024-0023

  • Rotimi, J.O.B., & Rasheed, E.O. (2024). The “other” workplace design factors: An insight into what New Zealand workers want. Sustainability, 16(19). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198381

  • Rotimi, J.O.B., Moshood, T.D., & Rotimi, F.E. (2024). Modern office design features in residential spaces: A SPAR-4-SLR approach. Buildings, 14(10). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103037

  • Rasheed, E.O., & Rotimi, J.O.B. (2024). The green office environment: NZ workers’ perception of IEQ. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 13(5), 1240-1259. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-09-2022-0204

  • Moshood, T.D., Rotimi, J.O.B., Shahzad, W., & Salimon, M.G. (2024). Enhancing infrastructure project delivery through lean construction. Technological Sustainability, 3(3), 237-261. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/TECHS-11-2023-0041

  • Panchalingam, K., Rasheed, E.O., & Rotimi, J.O.B. (2024). Cost-Related Drivers and Barriers of Passivhaus. Sustainability, 16(15). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156510

  • Olatunji, O.A., Rotimi, J.O.B., Rotimi, F.E., & Silva, C.C.W. (2024). Causal relationship between project financing and overruns in major dam projects in Africa. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0286

  • Weerasinghe, A. S., Rasheed, E. O., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2024). Environmental and socio-psychological drivers of building users’ behaviours. Journal of Facilities Management, 22(4), 564-587. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFM-01-2022-0011

  • Ma, J., Samarasinghe, D. A. S., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Zuo, K. (2024). Supply chain landscape of 3D printed buildings. Buildings, 14(6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061811

  • Moshood, T. D., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Shahzad, W. (2024). Enhancing sustainability considerations in construction projects. Environment, Development and Sustainability. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-04946-2

  • Likita, A. J., Jelodar, M. B., Vishnupriya, V., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2024). Lean and BIM integration benefits construction management practices. Construction Innovation, 24(1), 106-133. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-06-2022-0136

2023 Publications

  • Asadi, R., Wilkinson, S., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2023). Mixed-Method Approach to Evaluate Rework Provisions within New Zealand Construction Contracts. Construction Economics and Building, 23(3-4), 45-70. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5130/AJCEB.v23i3/4.8617

  • Rotimi, F. E., Rotimi, J. O. B., Silva, C. W. C., Olatunji, O. A., & Ramanayaka, C. E. D. (2023). Determinants of job satisfaction amongst migrant construction workers. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 13(5), 738-755. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-06-2022-0078

  • Asadi, R., Wilkinson, S., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2023). The common causes of rework in construction contracts. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 21(4), 1107-1133. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-04-2021-0215

  • Olatunji, O. A., Ramanayaka, C. D. E., Rotimi, F. E., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2023). Analysis of contractors’ administrative characteristics in bid decision factors. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(6), 2420-2435. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-12-2021-1063

  • Asadi, R., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Wilkinson, S. (2023). Analyzing underlying factors of rework in generating contractual claims. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 149(6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-12141

  • Rotimi, J. O. B., Ramanayaka, C. D. E., Olatunji, O. A., & Rotimi, F. E. (2023). Migrant construction workers’ demography and job satisfaction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(3), 1122-1145. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-05-2021-0457

  • Alqudah, H. E., Poshdar, M., Oyewobi, L. O., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Tookey, J. (2023). Sustaining construction organisations in NZ. Sustainability, 15(5). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054143

  • Weerasinghe, A. S., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Rasheed, E. O. (2023). Modelling social psychological effects on occupant energy behaviours. Building and Environment, 231. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110055

  • Asadi, R., Wilkinson, S., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2023). Guidelines for mapping rework in contract conditions. Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction, 15(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)LA.1943-4170.0000563

  • Rotimi, J. O. B., Witton, F., & Rasheed, E. O. (2023). Predictive power of managers’ leadership attributes. International Journal of Construction Management, 23(7), 1214-1222. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2021.1964919

  • Shahzad, W. M., Reddy, S. M., Kahandawa, R., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2023). Modular offsite construction in New Zealand high-rise buildings. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2022-1020

2022 Publications

  • Likita, A. J., Jelodar, M. B., Vishnupriya, V., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2022). Lean and BIM implementation barriers in New Zealand. Buildings, 12(10). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101645

  • Vahdatmanesh, M., Firouzi, A., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2022). Revenue risk sharing in post-disaster housing reconstruction. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, 27(3), 281-305. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMPC-02-2021-0018

  • Moshood, T. D., Rotimi, F. E., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2022). Knowledge transfer in construction industry. Construction Economics and Building, 22(3), 65-98. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5130/AJCEB.v22i3.8050

  • Shahzad, W. M., Hassan, A., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2022). Land development challenges for housing provision in NZ. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 37(3), 1319-1337. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10901-021-09896-z

  • Wang, R., Samarasinghe, D. A. S., Skelton, L., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2022). Design change management for infrastructure development. Buildings, 12(9). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12091486

  • Rasheed, N., Shahzad, W., Khalfan, M., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2022). Risk identification and allocation in PPP projects. Buildings, 12(8). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081109

  • Aigwi, I. E., Nwadike, A. N., Le, A. T. H., Rotimi, F. E., & Rotimi, J. (2022). Prioritising adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 11(2), 181-204. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-08-2021-0139

  • Bakhtiarizadeh, E., Shahzad, W. M., Poshdar, M., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2022). Blockchain technology in prefabricated construction. Engineering Management in Production and Services, 14(1), 103-112. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/emj-2022-0009

2021 Publications

  • Bakhtiarizadeh, E., Shahzad, W., Poshdar, M., Khalfan, M., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2021). Blockchain and information integration in prefabrication supply chains. Buildings, 11(608). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings/1120608

  • Alqudah, H. E., Poshdar, M., Tookey, J., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2021). Business environment and sustainable performance in NZ construction. Sustainability, 13(23). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313121

  • Chao, Q., Rotimi, F. E., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2021). International construction joint ventures as a resourcing model. ICE Management, Procurement and Law, 176(1), 28-37. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1680/jmapl.21.00001

  • Maree, S., Rotimi, F. E., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2021). As-built drawings in underground utility management. Buildings, 11(9). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11090399

  • Adafin, J., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Wilkinson, S. (2021). Risk factors impacting project budget performance. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 19(1), 41-61. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-03-2019-0056

  • Asadi, R., Wilkinson, S., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2021). Contracting strategy usage for rework. Construction Management and Economics, 39(12), 953-971. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2021.2004609

2020 Publications

  • Oyewobi, L. O., Windapo, A. O., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Jimoh, R. A. (2020). Analysis of the South African construction industry business environment. Journal of Facilities Management, 18(4), 393-416. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFM-05-2020-0033

  • Weerasinghe, A. S., Ramachandra, T., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2020). Sustainable commercial buildings: O&M cost analysis in Sri Lanka. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-04-2020-0032

  • Adafin, J., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Wilkinson, S. (2020). Risk impact assessments in project budget development. International Journal of Construction Management, 20(1), 13-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2018.1462441

  • Ramanayaka, C., Olatunji, O. A., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2020). Critical success factors of strategy-led planning. International Journal of Construction Management. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2020.1849973

  • Alqudah, H. E., Poshdar, M., Tookey, J., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2020). Determinants of construction organisation performance in NZ. International Journal of Construction Supply Chain Management, 10(2), 194-211. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14424/ijcscm100220-194-211

2019 Publications

  • Aigwi, I. E., Egbelakin, T., Phipps, R., Ingham, J., Filippova, O., & Rotimi, J. (2019). Framework to prioritise underutilised historic buildings. Sustainable Cities and Society, 48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2019.101547

  • Oyewobi, L. O., Windapo, A. O., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Jimoh, R. A. (2019). Strategic clusters and performance of construction organizations. International Journal of Construction Management, 19(1), 46-56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2017.1382084

  • Witton, F., Rasheed, E. O., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2019). Leadership style in post-disaster projects. Buildings, 9(9). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings9090195

2018 Publications

  • Lin Lin Zhao (2018). Building development cost drivers in NZ construction industry. Massey University (PhD thesis published outputs linked to journal papers above).

2017 Publications

  • Jimoh, R., Adaji, A., Rotimi, J., & Oyewobi, L. (2017). Post disaster housing reconstruction in Nigeria. Malaysian Journal of Civil Engineering, 29(2), 194-215.

  • Zaeri, F., Rotimi, J. O. B., Hoseini, M. R., & Cox, J. (2017). Implementation of the LPS using Excel. Construction Innovation, 17(3), 324-339. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-01-2016-0002

  • Oyewobi, L., Windapo, A. O., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2017). Determinants of construction organisational performance. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, 22(1), 37-61. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMPC-05-2016-0021

2016 Publications

2015 Publications

  • Rotimi, J. O. B., & Ramanayaka, C. D. D. (2015). Reflective practice in construction project planning. Civil Engineering and Environmental Systems, 32(4), 301-315. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10286608.2015.1092523

  • Adafin, J., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Wilkinson, S. (2015). Design stage cost plan differences in NZ. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, 20(2), 116-131. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMPC-08-2014-0016

  • Egbelakin, T., Wilkinson, S., Potangoroa, R., & Rotimi, J. (2015). Earthquake risk mitigation decisions. International Journal of Strategic Property Management, 19(4), 395-408. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/1648715X.2015.1101029

2014 Publications

2013 Publications

  • Ramachandra, T., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Rameezdeen, R. (2013). Construction and national economy of Sri Lanka. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 18(2), 49-63.

2012 Publications

2011 Publications

  • Mouchi, G., Rotimi, J. O., & Ramachandra, T. (2011). Skill sets for managing complex construction projects. Business Education and Accreditation, 3(1), 89-100.

  • Ramachandra, T., & Rotimi, J. O. (2011). Nature of payment problems in NZ construction industry. Australasian Journal of Construction Economics and Building, 11(2), 22-33. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5130/ajceb.v11i2.2171

2009 Publications

  • Zuo, K., Potangaroa, R., Wilkinson, S., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2009). Sustainable timber procurement in Banda Aceh. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 2(3), 386-400. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/17538370910971045

  • Rotimi, J. O., Wilkinson, S., Zuo, K., & Myburgh, D. (2009). Legislation for effective post-disaster reconstruction. International Journal of Strategic Property Management, 13(2), 143-152. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/1648-715X.2009.13.143-152

2007 Publications

  • Gandu, Y. J., Okoli, O. G., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2007). Reliability of client’s estimate during contractor selection. Construction Focus, Nigerian Journal of Construction, 1(1), 75-81.

  • Jimoh, R. A., Kehinde, J. O., Mosaku, T. O., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2007). Constraints in housing development in Nigeria. NICMAR Journal of Construction Management, XXIII(III), 35-45.

2004 Publications

  • Kuroshi, P. A., Sikora, Z. J., & Rotimi, J. O. B. (2004). BOT and factoring method in public sector financing. Journal of Environmental Science, 7(2).

2003 Publications

  • Garba, M. M., Rotimi, J. O., & Joel, O. S. (2003). Concrete mix design application in Nigeria. ATBU Journal of Environmental Technology, 2(1), 25-29.

  • Kehinde, J. O., Rotimi, J. O. B., & Jimoh, R. A. (2003). Housing policy implementation in Nigeria. NICMAR Journal of Construction Management, XVIII(III), 41-52.

2002 Publications

  • Garba, M. M., Rotimi, J.O.B., & Balarabe, M. S. (2002). Mechanically vs manually crushed aggregates. ATBU Journal of Environmental Technology, 1(1), 79-82.

  • Kuroshi, P. A., Rotimi, J.O.B., & Sikora, Z. J. (2002). BOT and factoring method alternative financing scheme. Spectrum Journal, 9(1), 120-128.

International Research Collaborations

Professor Rotimi has established research partnerships with:

  • Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ)

  • Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

  • Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

  • Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

  • University of Johannesburg, South Africa

  • Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria

He regularly collaborates with multidisciplinary teams working on policy development, sustainability frameworks, and construction innovation.

Research Recognition

  • Best Paper Award, CIB World Building Congress (2025)

  • Top 2% Scientist in Construction Research (Global Ranking, 2024)

  • Outstanding Research Contribution Award, Massey University

  • Distinguished Keynote Speaker, International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (2023)

Research Profiles