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Dr Li Liu

Senior Lecturer
Coordinator for Bachelor of Project Engineering and Management (Civil)

J05 - J05 Civil Engineering Building
The University of Sydney

Research interests

Governments around the world spend a significant proportion of their GDP on large infrastructure projects. Dr Li Liu's research aims to help them maximise their return on investment in these projects by reducing waste caused by delays and other inefficiencies.

"Studies based on US and European data have shown that complex infrastructure projects are often plagued by delays, revenue shortfalls and cost overruns. Australia is not immune to these problems.

"My research helps to identify the major causes of delays, shortfalls and overruns in large infrastructure projects, and looks at ways of preventing or mitigating the effects of these factors.

"For example, optimism and deception have been identified as two of the major culprits. These refer to unrealistic and inaccurate estimating, respectively.

"My research shows that designing an estimating and management system that draws on a wide spectrum of relevant experts and models the distribution of estimates against perceived risks could mitigate the effects of optimism and deception.

"Specifically, I focus on two main areas. The first is organisational project management. This involves examining how organisational settings and management practices affect project delivery. My research in this area aims to shed light on how organisations can improve their organisational-level arrangements to facilitate effective project management.

"My second area of focus relates to the management and governance of large, complex projects. Here my work involves evaluating the accuracy of various estimating approaches.

"As well as these areas, I am also currently researching how to engage both exploitative (sticking to what you are doing best) and exploratory (trying new approaches) methods during the same large, complex project. This line of research will potentially lead to increased efficiency and reduced waste, helping governments and other organisations to save a fortune on infrastructure spending."

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Teaching and supervision

CIVL3812 - Project Appraisal
CIVL4815 - Project Formulation
PMGT5877 - Management of Project Organisations
PMGT5883 - Project Management Thesis A
PMGT5884 - Project Management Thesis B

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Selected grants

2005

  • The joint effects of project governace mechnisms and organizational controls on project performance; Liu L; University of Sydney/Early Career Researcher.
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Selected publications

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Book Chapters

  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Ryu, H. (2012). Activity-Artifact Flow of GPS/INS Integration for Positioning Error De-Correlation. In Fouzia Boukour Elbahhar and Atika Rivenq (Eds.), New Approach of Indoor and Outdoor Localization Systems, (pp. 193-212). Rijeka, Croatia: InTech Open Access Publishers (peer reviewed).
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2005). The Contingent Effects of Project Governance Mechanisms on the Level of Control and Project Delivery Capability: Evidence from the Construction and Information Technology Services Industries. In Dennis P. Slevin, David I. Cleland, Jeffery K. Pinto (Eds.), Innovations: Project Management Research 2004, (pp. 481-498). Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA: Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2004). The Contingent Effects Of Project Governance Mechanisms On The Level Of Control And Project Delivery Capability?ence From The Construction And It Services Industries. In Dennis P. Slevin, David I. Cleland, Jeffery K. Pinto (Eds.), Innovations: Project Management Research 2004, (pp. 481-498). Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA: Project Management Institute (PMI).

Journals

  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Tran, T. (2012). A cost-effective system design approach for vehicle positioning using GNSS/INS integration. International Journal of Vehicle Safety, 6(1), 28-47.
  • Liu, L., Wang, X., Sheng, Z. (2012). Achieving ambidexterity in large, complex engineering projects: A case study of the Sutong Bridge project. Construction Management and Economics, 30(5), 399-409.
  • Liu, L., Leitner, D. (2012). Simultaneous Pursuit of Innovation and Efficiency in Complex Engineering Projects-A Study of the Antecedents and Impacts of Ambidexterity in Project Teams. Project Management Journal, 43(6), 97-110.
  • Liu, L. (2011). Mirage or implementation pitfalls - in defence of risk registers as an effective risk management tool. Journal of Information Technology, 26(4), 277-279.
  • Liu, L., Wehbe, G., Sisovic, J. (2010). The Accuracy of Hybrid Estimating Approaches: A Case Study of an Australian State Road & Traffic Authority. Engineering Economist, 55, 225-245.
  • Liu, L., Napier, Z. (2010). The accuracy of risk-based cost estimation for water infrastructure projects: preliminary evidence from Australian projects. Construction Management and Economics, 28(1), 89-100.
  • Liu, L. (2009). How does strategic uncertainty and project sponsorship relate to project performance? A study of Australian project managers. Management Research News: communication news of emergent international management research, 32(3), 239-253.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2009). Sponsorship and IT vendor management of projects. Journal of Information Technology, 24(1), 46-54.
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Lowe, D. (2007). A Web System Trace Model and Its Application to Web Design. Journal of Digital Information, 8(1), 1-29.
  • Chul, K., Liu, L. (2007). Cost Information Model for Managing Multiple Projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 133(12), 966-974.
  • Liu, L., Zhu, K. (2007). Improving Cost Estimates of Construction Projects Using Phased Cost Factors. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 133(1), 91-95.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2007). The contingent effects on project performance of conducting project reviews and deploying project management offices. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 54(4), 789-799.
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Lowe, D. (2005). Separation of Concerns: a Web Application Architecture Framework. Journal of Digital Information, 6(2), 1-8.
  • Lowe, D., Liu, L., Kong, X. (2004). Critical Feature Method - A Lightweight Web Maintenance Methodology For Smes. Journal of Digital Information, 5(2), 278.
  • Sauer, C., Liu, L., Johnston, K. (2001). Where Project Managers are Kings. Project Management Journal, 32(4), 39-49.

Conferences

  • Bani Hashemi, S., Liu, L. (2012). Lean Governance: A Paradigm Shift in Inter-Organizational Relationships (IORs) Governance. 20th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 2012), San Diego: Montezuma Publishing.
  • Liu, L., Leitner, D. (2012). The Antecedents and Effect of Ambidexterity in the Management of Complex Engineering Projects. PMI Research and Education Conference 2012, Limerick, Ireland: Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Allahaim, F., Liu, L. (2012). Understanding Major Causes Cost Overrun for Infrastructure Projects: A Typology Approach. 37th Australasian Universities Building Educators Association International Conference (AUBEA 2012), Sydney: University of NSW (UNSW).
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Lowe, D. (2011). A Cost-Effective Design Approach for Integrated Positioning System. 4th International Conference on Modeling, Simulation and Applied Optimization (ICMSAO 2011), Kuala Lumpur: (IEEE) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Chen, J. (2011). Modeling Agile Software Maintenance Process Using Analytical Theory of Project Investment. 2011 International Conference on Advances in Engineering (ICAE), Nanjing, China: Elsevier.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P., Sauer, C. (2010). A Normative Theory of Organizational Control: Main and Interaction Effects of Control Modes on Performance. 18th European Conference on Information Systems, South Africa: University of Pretoria.
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Tran, T. (2010). Modeling Satellite Positioning Errors in Different Configurations from End User's Viewpoint. 16th Asia-Pacific Conference on Communications (APCC 2010), Auckland: IEEE Xplore.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P., Sauer, C. (2010). Organizational Control and Project Performance. PMI Research & Education Conference 2010, USA: Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Liu, L. (2010). The Effect of Intellectual Capital on Corporate Performance in Selected Industry Sectors in China. 2010 International Symposium on Statistics and Management Science, Nanjing.
  • Liu, L., Whebe, G., Sisovic, J. (2010). Which is More Accurate? Comparison of Estimation Accuracy Between Reference Class Forecasting, Risk-Based Estimating and the Conventional Fixed Contingency Approach. Project Management Institute Research and Education Conference, United States: Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Vlasic, A., Yetton, P., Liu, L. (2010). Why Information Systems Development Projects are Always Late. PMI Research & Education Conference 2010, USA: Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Wang, X., Liu, L., Sheng, Z. (2009). Ambidextrous Management of a Large, Complex Engineering Project with Significant Innovations-Case Study of the Sutong Bridge Project. 2009 IEEE 16th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IE&EM'2009), Beijing, China: (IEEE) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
  • Wang, X., Liu, L., Que, Z., Xu, T., Wang, B. (2009). Measuring the Corporate Performance of Intellectual Capital: Empirical Analysis in Three Types of Industries of China. 3rd International Conference on Risk Management & Global e-Business RMEB 2009, United States: UAPress.
  • Liu, L., Napier, Z. (2008). The Predictive Validity & Performance Drivers of Risk-Based Estimating - Case studies of Australian Water Infrastructure Projects. 2008 PMI Research Conference, USA: Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Liu, L., Kong, X., Chen, R. (2006). An Economic Model of Software Development Approaches. The Twelfth Australasian World Wide Web Conference (AusWeb '06), Qld, Australia: Southern Cross University.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2006). How do perceived project performance risk and management priority affect project sponsorship and project delivery capabilities? Evidence from a cross-industry survey. PMI Research Conference 2006, cd: Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Lowe, D. (2005). Modeling an Agile Web Maintenance Process. 11th Annual ANZSYS / Managing the Complex V Conference : Systems Thinking and Complecity Science: Insights for Action, Christchurch, New Zealand: ISCE Publishing.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2005). Sponsorship and IS Project Delivery Capability. 9th Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems (PACIS 2005): IT & Value Creation, Bangkok, Thailand: Association for Information Systems (AIS).
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Lowe, D. (2005). Supporting Web User Interface Prototyping through Information Modeling and System Architecting. 2005 IEEE International Conference on e-Business Engineering - ICEBE 2005, Los Alamitos, California, USA: (IEEE) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Lowe, D. (2005). Web System Trace Model Using a Web Application Architecture Framework. The 2005 IEEE International Conference on e-Technology, e-Commerce and e-Service (EEE-05), Los Alamitos, California, USA: (IEEE) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
  • Zhu, K., Liu, L. (2004). A Contingent Framework For Applying Cost Estimation Methods To Construction Projects. The 4th International Conference on Construction Project Management ICCPM 2004, Singapore: Nanyang Technological University.
  • Liu, L., Zhu, K. (2004). A Stage-By-Stage Factor Control Framework For Cost Estimation Of Construction Projects. "Clients Driving Innovation" International Conference 2004, Brisbane, Qld: CRC for Construction Innovation, QUT.
  • Liu, L., Kong, X. (2004). A Web Application Architecture Framework. AusWeb04: The Tenth Australian World Wide Web Conference, Lismore, N.S.W: Southern Cross University Press.
  • Liu, L., Wu, J. (2004). Dynamic Capabilities For Construction Contractors. "Clients Driving Innovation" International Conference 2004, Brisbane, Qld: CRC for Construction Innovation, QUT.
  • Kong, X., Liu, L. (2003). Critical Feature Method - A Lightweight Web Maintenance Methodology for SMEs. The 4th International Working with e-Business (We-B) Conference, CD-ROM: We-B Centre, School of Management Information Systems, Edith Cowan University,.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2003). The Contingent Effects of Project Goverance Mechanisms on Project Performance - Evidence From the Construction and IT Service Industries. 14th Australian Conference on Information Systems, CD: Edith Cowan Univesity, We-B centre.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P., Sauer, C. (2003). The Effects of Organizational Control on Project Performance in Construction and IT Services Companies. 14th Australian Conference on Information Systems, CD: Edith Cowan Univesity, We-B centre.

2012

  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Tran, T. (2012). A cost-effective system design approach for vehicle positioning using GNSS/INS integration. International Journal of Vehicle Safety, 6(1), 28-47.
  • Liu, L., Wang, X., Sheng, Z. (2012). Achieving ambidexterity in large, complex engineering projects: A case study of the Sutong Bridge project. Construction Management and Economics, 30(5), 399-409.
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Ryu, H. (2012). Activity-Artifact Flow of GPS/INS Integration for Positioning Error De-Correlation. In Fouzia Boukour Elbahhar and Atika Rivenq (Eds.), New Approach of Indoor and Outdoor Localization Systems, (pp. 193-212). Rijeka, Croatia: InTech Open Access Publishers (peer reviewed).
  • Bani Hashemi, S., Liu, L. (2012). Lean Governance: A Paradigm Shift in Inter-Organizational Relationships (IORs) Governance. 20th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 2012), San Diego: Montezuma Publishing.
  • Liu, L., Leitner, D. (2012). Simultaneous Pursuit of Innovation and Efficiency in Complex Engineering Projects-A Study of the Antecedents and Impacts of Ambidexterity in Project Teams. Project Management Journal, 43(6), 97-110.
  • Liu, L., Leitner, D. (2012). The Antecedents and Effect of Ambidexterity in the Management of Complex Engineering Projects. PMI Research and Education Conference 2012, Limerick, Ireland: Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Allahaim, F., Liu, L. (2012). Understanding Major Causes Cost Overrun for Infrastructure Projects: A Typology Approach. 37th Australasian Universities Building Educators Association International Conference (AUBEA 2012), Sydney: University of NSW (UNSW).

2011

  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Lowe, D. (2011). A Cost-Effective Design Approach for Integrated Positioning System. 4th International Conference on Modeling, Simulation and Applied Optimization (ICMSAO 2011), Kuala Lumpur: (IEEE) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
  • Liu, L. (2011). Mirage or implementation pitfalls - in defence of risk registers as an effective risk management tool. Journal of Information Technology, 26(4), 277-279.
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Chen, J. (2011). Modeling Agile Software Maintenance Process Using Analytical Theory of Project Investment. 2011 International Conference on Advances in Engineering (ICAE), Nanjing, China: Elsevier.

2010

  • Liu, L., Yetton, P., Sauer, C. (2010). A Normative Theory of Organizational Control: Main and Interaction Effects of Control Modes on Performance. 18th European Conference on Information Systems, South Africa: University of Pretoria.
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Tran, T. (2010). Modeling Satellite Positioning Errors in Different Configurations from End User's Viewpoint. 16th Asia-Pacific Conference on Communications (APCC 2010), Auckland: IEEE Xplore.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P., Sauer, C. (2010). Organizational Control and Project Performance. PMI Research & Education Conference 2010, USA: Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Liu, L., Wehbe, G., Sisovic, J. (2010). The Accuracy of Hybrid Estimating Approaches: A Case Study of an Australian State Road & Traffic Authority. Engineering Economist, 55, 225-245.
  • Liu, L., Napier, Z. (2010). The accuracy of risk-based cost estimation for water infrastructure projects: preliminary evidence from Australian projects. Construction Management and Economics, 28(1), 89-100.
  • Liu, L. (2010). The Effect of Intellectual Capital on Corporate Performance in Selected Industry Sectors in China. 2010 International Symposium on Statistics and Management Science, Nanjing.
  • Liu, L., Whebe, G., Sisovic, J. (2010). Which is More Accurate? Comparison of Estimation Accuracy Between Reference Class Forecasting, Risk-Based Estimating and the Conventional Fixed Contingency Approach. Project Management Institute Research and Education Conference, United States: Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Vlasic, A., Yetton, P., Liu, L. (2010). Why Information Systems Development Projects are Always Late. PMI Research & Education Conference 2010, USA: Project Management Institute (PMI).

2009

  • Wang, X., Liu, L., Sheng, Z. (2009). Ambidextrous Management of a Large, Complex Engineering Project with Significant Innovations-Case Study of the Sutong Bridge Project. 2009 IEEE 16th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IE&EM'2009), Beijing, China: (IEEE) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
  • Liu, L. (2009). How does strategic uncertainty and project sponsorship relate to project performance? A study of Australian project managers. Management Research News: communication news of emergent international management research, 32(3), 239-253.
  • Wang, X., Liu, L., Que, Z., Xu, T., Wang, B. (2009). Measuring the Corporate Performance of Intellectual Capital: Empirical Analysis in Three Types of Industries of China. 3rd International Conference on Risk Management & Global e-Business RMEB 2009, United States: UAPress.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2009). Sponsorship and IT vendor management of projects. Journal of Information Technology, 24(1), 46-54.

2008

  • Liu, L., Napier, Z. (2008). The Predictive Validity & Performance Drivers of Risk-Based Estimating - Case studies of Australian Water Infrastructure Projects. 2008 PMI Research Conference, USA: Project Management Institute (PMI).

2007

  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Lowe, D. (2007). A Web System Trace Model and Its Application to Web Design. Journal of Digital Information, 8(1), 1-29.
  • Chul, K., Liu, L. (2007). Cost Information Model for Managing Multiple Projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 133(12), 966-974.
  • Liu, L., Zhu, K. (2007). Improving Cost Estimates of Construction Projects Using Phased Cost Factors. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 133(1), 91-95.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2007). The contingent effects on project performance of conducting project reviews and deploying project management offices. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 54(4), 789-799.

2006

  • Liu, L., Kong, X., Chen, R. (2006). An Economic Model of Software Development Approaches. The Twelfth Australasian World Wide Web Conference (AusWeb '06), Qld, Australia: Southern Cross University.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2006). How do perceived project performance risk and management priority affect project sponsorship and project delivery capabilities? Evidence from a cross-industry survey. PMI Research Conference 2006, cd: Project Management Institute (PMI).

2005

  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Lowe, D. (2005). Modeling an Agile Web Maintenance Process. 11th Annual ANZSYS / Managing the Complex V Conference : Systems Thinking and Complecity Science: Insights for Action, Christchurch, New Zealand: ISCE Publishing.
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Lowe, D. (2005). Separation of Concerns: a Web Application Architecture Framework. Journal of Digital Information, 6(2), 1-8.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2005). Sponsorship and IS Project Delivery Capability. 9th Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems (PACIS 2005): IT & Value Creation, Bangkok, Thailand: Association for Information Systems (AIS).
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Lowe, D. (2005). Supporting Web User Interface Prototyping through Information Modeling and System Architecting. 2005 IEEE International Conference on e-Business Engineering - ICEBE 2005, Los Alamitos, California, USA: (IEEE) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2005). The Contingent Effects of Project Governance Mechanisms on the Level of Control and Project Delivery Capability: Evidence from the Construction and Information Technology Services Industries. In Dennis P. Slevin, David I. Cleland, Jeffery K. Pinto (Eds.), Innovations: Project Management Research 2004, (pp. 481-498). Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA: Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Kong, X., Liu, L., Lowe, D. (2005). Web System Trace Model Using a Web Application Architecture Framework. The 2005 IEEE International Conference on e-Technology, e-Commerce and e-Service (EEE-05), Los Alamitos, California, USA: (IEEE) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

2004

  • Zhu, K., Liu, L. (2004). A Contingent Framework For Applying Cost Estimation Methods To Construction Projects. The 4th International Conference on Construction Project Management ICCPM 2004, Singapore: Nanyang Technological University.
  • Liu, L., Zhu, K. (2004). A Stage-By-Stage Factor Control Framework For Cost Estimation Of Construction Projects. "Clients Driving Innovation" International Conference 2004, Brisbane, Qld: CRC for Construction Innovation, QUT.
  • Liu, L., Kong, X. (2004). A Web Application Architecture Framework. AusWeb04: The Tenth Australian World Wide Web Conference, Lismore, N.S.W: Southern Cross University Press.
  • Lowe, D., Liu, L., Kong, X. (2004). Critical Feature Method - A Lightweight Web Maintenance Methodology For Smes. Journal of Digital Information, 5(2), 278.
  • Liu, L., Wu, J. (2004). Dynamic Capabilities For Construction Contractors. "Clients Driving Innovation" International Conference 2004, Brisbane, Qld: CRC for Construction Innovation, QUT.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2004). The Contingent Effects Of Project Governance Mechanisms On The Level Of Control And Project Delivery Capability?ence From The Construction And It Services Industries. In Dennis P. Slevin, David I. Cleland, Jeffery K. Pinto (Eds.), Innovations: Project Management Research 2004, (pp. 481-498). Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA: Project Management Institute (PMI).

2003

  • Kong, X., Liu, L. (2003). Critical Feature Method - A Lightweight Web Maintenance Methodology for SMEs. The 4th International Working with e-Business (We-B) Conference, CD-ROM: We-B Centre, School of Management Information Systems, Edith Cowan University,.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P. (2003). The Contingent Effects of Project Goverance Mechanisms on Project Performance - Evidence From the Construction and IT Service Industries. 14th Australian Conference on Information Systems, CD: Edith Cowan Univesity, We-B centre.
  • Liu, L., Yetton, P., Sauer, C. (2003). The Effects of Organizational Control on Project Performance in Construction and IT Services Companies. 14th Australian Conference on Information Systems, CD: Edith Cowan Univesity, We-B centre.

2001

  • Sauer, C., Liu, L., Johnston, K. (2001). Where Project Managers are Kings. Project Management Journal, 32(4), 39-49.
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