Abdul Rahman, N.; Belayutham, S. and Che Ibrahim, C. K. I. (2026) Socio-technical dynamics of barriers to sustainable railway projects in Malaysia. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 16(3), pp. 637-654. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose – Railway infrastructure development is a complex socio-technical system with significant implications for sustainable development. Past studies often analyse implementation barriers separately, ignoring their interconnectedness. This reductionist view misses the intricate nature of rail projects, which require a holistic approach. Therefore, this study uses a socio-technical systems (STS) lens to examine these barriers' systemic interdependencies, shifting from fragmented views to understanding the dynamic friction between social and technical factors. Design/methodology/approach – To ensure rigorous systemic validation beyond traditional linear approaches, this study employed a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design grounded in the context of a single-case project (MRT Putrajaya Line). First, quantitative data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and correlation analysis to validate constructs and test relationships. Subsequently, qualitative data from group model building were modelled using causal loop diagrams (CLD) to empirically map the dynamic feedback mechanisms driving the ecosystem. Findings – The EFA confirmed barriers as two constructs: "Strategic-Governance" and "Technical-Operation", supporting the social-technical system distinction. Correlation analysis shows "Strategic-operational decoupling", where high-level policies do not translate into ground-level action. The CLD reveals systemic lock-in, in which four loops (governance, economic, capability and global feedback) reinforce one another, maintaining unsustainable practices and eroding technical skills. Originality/value – This study uses a dynamic approach to barrier identification, applying STS theory in a developing country. It introduces the Hierarchy of Intervention, showing social subsystem barriers as upstream constraints affecting technical subsystems. The findings indicate the sector suffers from governance issues, not engineering gaps, needing regulatory intervention to fix the feedback loop.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | barriers; causal loop diagram; Malaysia; railway project; socio-technical system; sustainability |
| Index terms: | Malaysia, validation, feedback loop, exploratory factor analysis, railway construction, infrastructure development, methodology, technical skill, socio-technical, holistic approach, decoupling, governance, sustainable development, socio-technical system, dynamics, implementation, developing country, correlation analysis |
| Subjects: | business, civil engineering, health safety and environment, professional development, theoretical framing, statistical analysis, systems engineering, Geography, contractual arrangements, infrastructure engineering, control systems, research methods, development economics |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Procurement, Governance, Research Practice, International Construction, Geographical Context, Information Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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