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Staff profile

Overview

Dr Qian Zhang

Assistant Professor in Engineering Manag

Affiliations
Affiliation
Assistant Professor in Engineering Manag in the Department of Engineering

Biography

Qian Zhang is an Assistant Professor in Engineering and Project Management at the Department of Engineering, Durham University. She holds a PhD in Construction Management and Property (Building) from the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), completed in an exceptional three years and recognised with the UNSW Dean’s Award for Outstanding PhD Theses (2021). She also holds an MEng (by Research, First-Class Honours) in Management Science and Engineering, and a BEng in Cost Engineering (Quantity Surveying) from the School of Construction Management and Real Estate, Chongqing University — a leading Project 985 and Double First-Class university — whose Cost Engineering programme ranks first nationally in China.

Qian began her academic career as a Hongshen Young Research Fellow (Special Sponsored) at Chongqing University in 2021. She later joined the University of York as a Lecturer (T&S) in Engineering Management, where she contributed to the rapid growth of the MSc Engineering Management programme and designed two core modules: Sustainability in Engineering Management and Research Methods: Theory & Data Analysis. She subsequently held a Lectureship (T&R) in Construction Management at Curtin University, Australia, where she served as Course Coordinator (Leadership & Student Experience) for the four-year BSc Construction Management programme. In 2025, she returned to UNSW as an Academic Researcher and Tutor before joining Durham University.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Construction Management and Property (Specialisation: Building)

School of Built Environment, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia | 2017–2021

Master of Engineering (by Research), Management Science and Engineering

School of Construction Management and Real Estate, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China | 2014–2017

Visiting Academic 

Department of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, China | 2016

Bachelor of Engineering, Cost Engineering (Quantity Surveying)

School of Construction Management and Real Estate, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China | 2010–2014

Academic Values

A passionate advocate for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Women’s in Engineering Leadership, Qian integrates sustainability, social responsibility, and digital ethics across her research, teaching, and professional engagement — empowering the next generation of engineers and project leaders to drive responsible innovation and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Research Interests

CSR/ESG-AI; Sustainability and Business; Digital Sustainability and Responsibility; Engineering Management; Project Management; Construction Management; Industry 4.0; Digital Transformation; Strategy Management; Organizational Studies; Technology Management; Supply Chain Management; Circular Economy and Sustainable Innovation; AI; Responsible AI/Green AI; Business Model Innovation/Adaptation; Climate Change; Net Zero and Low Carbon City Development; Sustainable and Smart City; Blockchain; BIM; Digital Twin; Robotics; IoT

Research Contributions and Impact

With over a decade of international research and project experience across China, Australia, and the UK, Qian’s research lies at the intersection of Engineering and Project Management, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the era of Industry 4.0/5.0, with a particular focus on digital sustainability and responsibility. She examines how emerging technologies such AI, digital twins, robotics, IoT, blockchain, and Construction 4.0 systems can drive responsible innovation and strengthen Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance, sustainable business models, and shared value creation across stakeholders. Her work seeks to optimise productivity while enhancing social and environmental outcomes, developing governance models and strategic frameworks that support policymakers and industry leaders in advancing Net Zero transitions.

Qian has an established research track record and an international reputation as an Early-Career Researcher (ECR). She has published over 25 peer-reviewed papers across multidisciplinary fields, including sustainability and environmental management, engineering and construction management, and business and management, with over 75% as lead author (first or corresponding). Her research has appeared in prestigious SSCI/SCI journals, such as Resources, Conservation & Recycling (SCI Q1, five-year IF: 12.7), Journal of Cleaner Production (SCI Q1, five-year IF: 10.7), ASCE Journal of Management in Engineering (SCI Q1, IF: 7.0), ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering and Management (SCI Q1, ABDC A*, five-year IF: 5.6), Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management (SSCI Q1, five-year IF: 11.3), Automation in Construction (SCI Q1, ABDC-A*, five-year IF: 11.5), and Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management (SCI Q1, ABDC-A, five-year IF: 4.7). Her publications have attracted over 1,000 citations (h-index 12). She serves on the Editorial Board of Humanities & Social Sciences Communications (Nature Portfolio, SSCI Q1), acts as Guest Editor for Applied Sciences, Buildings, and Frontiers in Built Environment, and regularly reviews for more than 30 leading JCR-indexed journals.

Her early research developed an integrated BIM–GIS framework for resilient construction supply chains and contributed to national BIM standards and digital innovation strategies in China. As Project Coordinator and Principal Researcher at the BIM Research Center, Chongqing University (2013–2017), she worked on major government- and industry-funded projects that accelerated digital transformation and Standardisation across the construction sector.

Funding and International Collaboration

Qian has led and contributed to competitive research projects and fellowship valued at over AUD $435k (£223k), including the Hongshen Young Fellowship, CRC for Low Carbon Living projects with CSIRO and UNSW, focusing on the multiple impacts of energy efficiency and low-carbon transitions, and studies on Construction 4.0 technology implementation for workforce health and safety, BIM-enabled design collaboration, sustainable waste recycling, and Public–Private Partnership (PPP) mechanisms for the circular economy. 

Her interdisciplinary collaborations span Business Management, Civil, Mechanical, and Electronic Engineering, Automation, and Robotics, with partners from world leading universities including Hanyang University (Korea), MIT (USA), University of Adelaide (Australia), UNSW High-Performance Architecture Research Cluster (Australia), Curtin University (Australia), University of York (UK), International Research Centre for Sustainable Construction, Chongqing University (China), National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (Taiwan, China), Lingnan University (Hong Kong, China), and University of Melbourne (Australia). She is also a member of the Geotechnics and Environmental Engineering Node (GEER) at Durham. What is a node? See here.

Teaching and Supervision

Qian currently co-directs the MSc Engineering Management programme, a future-oriented programme with a strong focus on Sustainability, Strategy and Innovation, and Digital Transformation, working alongside Professor Jelena Ninic and Dr Kat Lovell. She has over eight years of teaching experience across UNSW, the University of York, Curtin University, and CQU, covering engineering management, project management, and sustainability at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Her teaching and Course Coordination (Leadership & Student Experience) consistently achieve 100% student satisfaction and are recognised for outstanding feedback from students and peers. She supervises MSc, PhD, and undergraduate students, many of whom have achieved distinction or progressed into leadership roles across academia and industry. She also holds a Higher Education Teaching Qualification Certificate (China, 2022) and is a Certified Reviewer for the Peer Review of Education Practice (PREP) (2024–2027).

Research Student Recruitment

I am currently recruiting PhD students, MScR candidates, and Postdoctoral Researchers, and I welcome Visiting Research Students and Visiting Scholars interested in collaborating on my research areas.

If you are interested, please contact me at qian.zhang2@durham.ac.uk, including your CV and transcripts. You may also attach a brief outline of your research proposal (optional, if you already have a specific idea in mind). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.

I also welcome opportunities for research and project collaborations with academic and industry partners.

My research group advances the twin transition of sustainability and digitalisation in project-based sectors, such as building and construction industries. PhD projects may focus on:

  • CSR/ESG & Business Model Innovation – sustainability in corporate strategy, organisational studies, and supply chain management; project leadership, ethics, and governance frameworks.

  • Digital Transformation & Industry 4.0/5.0 – AI, digital twins, robotics, blockchain, and analytics for resilient and high-performing projects; managing organisational change in technology adoption.

  • AI & Responsible Innovation – green AI, risk forecasting, and decision support in project management; AI in smart buildings and Construction 4.0.

  • Sustainability Transitions & Circular Economy – Net Zero pathways, decarbonisation, climate adaptation, and circular economy innovations.

  • Smart & Low-Carbon Cities – digital ecosystems, mobility, and project-based approaches for resilience and sustainable urban transformation.

  • Other emerging topics are also welcome.

To discuss a potential UK Home-fee PhD studentship, please contact me at qian.zhang2@durham.ac.uk.

I also welcome applications from international candidates through:

  • Durham Engineering’s competitive scholarship process (typically in December for the following October entry); read more about Durham International Scholarship here, e.g., Commonwealth and Royal Society Fellowships.
  • The China Scholarship Council (CSC) (next deadline: 16 January 2026); read more about CSC here. 
  • Other UK and international PhD funding schemes.
  • Self-funded applications will also be considered.

Read more about Durham Research Degree here

Latest Publication
Conceptual Framework

Corporate Social Responsibility Leadership and Organizational Performance: Exploring Resource Collaboration Networks in the Case of Global Contractors

This study investigated how CSR leadership contribute to organizational performance in global construction firms. Using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Social Network Analysis (SNA) of CSR reports from 20 leading international contractors (2011–2022), some of the highlighted findings show that:

  • CSR has evolved from compliance-driven activities into strategic assets that enhance both social legitimacy and competitive advantage.
  • A core–periphery network structure reveals that practices like environmental management and fair labor policies drive benefits such as employee morale, loyalty, and long-term sustainability.
  • CSR functions as a dynamic capability, enabling firms to adapt, innovate, and collaborate across complex global markets.

The key message: CSR is no longer symbolic. It is a strategic driver of resilience, stakeholder trust, and business performance.

Read the full article and download for free here: https://lnkd.in/gif4mS2j

Citation: Zhang, Q., Wu, Y. & Ye, M. 2025. Corporate Social Responsibility Leadership and Organizational Performance: Exploring Resource Collaboration Networks in the Case of Global Contractors. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.70173

Publications

Please see my full publications in my Google Scholar Profile here.

Journal Publications (Selected) 

*Corresponding author

1.  Zhang, Q.*, Wang, L. 2026. AI in Smart Buildings and Construction 4.0: Implementation areas and influencing factors in construction organizations. Automation in Construction, 181, 106623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106623 (SCI Q1, ABDC-A*, five-year IF: 11.5).

2.  Zhang, Y., Zhang, Q.*, Jiang, W., Sang, M. & Ye, K. 2025. Super-Supportive Corporate Social Responsibility Behaviors in China’s Construction Enterprises. Buildings, 15, 3587. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15193587 (SJR Q1/SCI Q2, five-year IF:3.2)

3.  Zhang, Q., Wu, Y. & Ye, M. 2025. Corporate Social Responsibility Leadership and Organizational Performance: Exploring Resource Collaboration Networks in the Case of Global Contractors. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.70173 (SSCI Q1, five-year IF: 11.3)

4.  Duan, Y., Ye, M., Zhang, Q., & Lu, S. 2025. Informal Institutional Pressures and ESG Implementation by International Contractors: The Moderating Effects of Joint Ventures. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 151(10), 04025139. https://doi.org/doi:10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-15786 (SCI Q1, ABDC-A*, five-year IF:5.6)

5.  Zhang, Q.*, Liu, Z. and Yang, S. 2025, Enhancing construction workers’ health and safety: mechanisms for implementing Construction 4.0 technologies in construction organizations, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 32 No. 13, pp. 68-103. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2024-1517 (SCI Q1/SSCI Q2, ABDC-A, five-year IF: 4.7)

6.  Zhang, Q, Liu C, Zhu, W, Mei, S., 2024. Demystifying the Influencing Factors of Construction 4.0 Technology Implementation from a Sustainability Starting Point: Current Trends and Future Research Roadmap. Buildings, 14(2):552. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020552 (SJR Q1/SCI Q2, five-year IF: 3.2, Google Scholar Citation: 15)

7.  Zhang, Q.*, Oo, B.L., Lim, B.T.H., 2023. Unveiling corporate social responsibility awareness and implementation: a study of the Chinese construction firms. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management., 1-29. https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2022.2043258 (SSCI Q1, five-year IF: 4.1, Google Scholar Citation: 20)

8.  Zhang, Q.*, Oo, B.L. and Lim, B.T.H., 2023. Key practices and impact factors of corporate social responsibility implementation: Evidence from construction firms. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2020-0973 (SCI Q1/SSCI Q2, ABDC-A, five-year IF: 4.7; Google Scholar Citation: 71)

9.  Zhang, Q.*, Oo, B.L.; Lim, B.T.H., 2022. Validating and Applying the Mathematical Models for Predicting Corporate Social Responsibility Behavior in Construction Firms: A Roadmap. Buildings, 12, 1666. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101666 (SJR Q1/SCI Q2, five-year IF:3.2)

10.  Zhang, Q.*, Oo, B.L., Lim, B.T.H., 2022. Modeling Influence Mechanisms of Factors on Corporate Social Responsibility Implementation in Construction Firms. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2021-0603 (SCI Q1/SSCI Q2, ABDC-A, five-year IF: 4.7, Google Scholar Citation: 24)

11.  Zhang, Q.*, Oo, B. L., Lim, B. T. H., 2022. Linking corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and organizational performance in the construction industry: A resource collaboration network. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 179, 106113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.106113 (SCI Q1, five-year IF: 12.7, Google Scholar Citation: 113)

12.  Zhang, Q.*, Oo, B.L., Lim, B.T.H., 2021. Mapping Perceptions and Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility for Construction Firms via Importance–Performance Analysis: Paths of Improvement. Journal of Management in Engineering 37(6). https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)me.1943-5479.0000954 (SCI Q1, ABDC-A, IF: 7.0, Google Scholar Citation: 39)

13.  Zhang, Q. *, Oo, B.L., Lim, B.T.H., 2020. Corporate social responsibility practices by leading construction firms in China: a case study. International Journal of Construction Management, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2020.1717107. (ESCI Q2, five-year IF: 4.2, Google Scholar Citation: 43)

14.  Zhang, Q.*, Oo, B.L., Lim, B.T.H., 2019. Drivers, motivations, and barriers to the implementation of corporate social responsibility practices by construction enterprises: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production. 210, 563-584. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.11.050 (SCI Q1, ABDC-A, five-year IF: 10.7, Google Scholar Citation: 334)

15.  Wu, Y.Z., Liu, C. Zhang, Q.*, Ge, L.L., 2022, Bibliometric Analysis of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) Application in Land Subsidence from 2000 to 2021. Journal of Sensors, vol. 2022, 1027673, 15 pages, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1027673 (SRJ Q2/SCI Q4, Five-year IF:1.5, Google Scholar Citation: 8)

16.  Wang, T.K. (master’s supervisor), Zhang, Q., Chong, H.Y., Wang, X.Y., 2017. Integrated Supplier Selection Framework in a Resilient Construction Supply Chain: An Approach via Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). Sustainability 9(2), 289. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9020289 (SRJ Q1/SSCI/SCI Q2, five-year IF: 3.6, Google Scholar Citation: 247)

17.  Hepple R, Zhao Y, Yang R, Zhang Q., Yang S., 2024. Investigating the Effects of PCM-Integrated Walls on Thermal Performance for UK Residential Buildings of Different Typologies. Buildings. 14(11):3382. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113382 (SJR Q1/SCI Q2, five-year IF:3.2)

18.  Zhu, W., Zheng, Y., Ye, K., Zhang, Q., Zhang, M., 2021. Deterrence of Punitive Measures on Collusive Bidding in the Construction Sector. Complexity 2021, 9913413. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9913413 (SCI Q2, IF:1.7, Google Scholar Citation: 17)

19.  Zhang, C., Hu, M., Dong, L., Xiang, P., Zhang, Q., Wu, J., Li, B., Shi, S., 2018. Co-benefits of urban concrete recycling on the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and land use change: A case in Chongqing metropolis, China. Journal of Cleaner Production 201, 481-498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.07.238 (SCI Q1, ABDC-A, five-year IF: 10.7, Google Scholar Citation: 90)

International Conferences and Forums

20.  Zhang Q*, 2024, Transformative Approaches to Fostering Leadership Skills in Students: A Case Study of MSc Engineering Management Programme, showcase presentation, WA Teaching and Learning Forum, UWA, 2024.

21.  Zhang Q*, Liu C. 2023, Holistic Analysis of the Influencing Factors of Construction 4.0 Technology Implementation in the Construction Industry: A Twin Sustainable and Digital Transition Perspective[C]//International Symposium on Advancement of Construction Management and Real Estate. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore, pp: 291-299. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3626-7_23

22.  Zhang Q*, Lim B T H, Oo B L. 2018, ‘Drivers, Motivations and Barriers for Being a Socially Responsible Firm in Construction: A Critical Review’, in Proceedings of the International Workshop on Environmental Management, Science and Engineering, SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, presented at International Workshop on Environmental Management, Science and Engineering, 16 – 17 June 2018, https://doi.org/10.5220/0007563205680575

23.  Zhang Q*, Oo B L, Lim B T H. 2018, ‘Practices and Factors Influencing Construction Enterprises’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Implementation: a Conceptual Framework’, in Proceedings of the International Workshop on Environmental Management, Science and Engineering, SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, presented at International Workshop on Environmental Management, Science and Engineering, 16 – 17 June 2018, https://doi.org/10.5220/0007563305760583

Editorial and Peer Review Contributions

Editorial Board Member:

Book Editor Role:

  • Infrastructure Development - Innovations, Challenges and Opportunities. ISBN: 978-1-83635-595-3; ISSN: 3029-0287; Part of the Book Series "Civil Engineering" Series Editor: Assed Haddad (Co-edited with Dr Siliang Yang)

Guest Editor Roles:

Reviewer for Over 30 Leading Peer-Reviewed Journals Across Multidisciplinary Fields Indexed in JCR (SCI/SSCI), Including:

Sustainability and Environmental Management:

Engineering and Construction Management:

Business and Management:

Research interests

  • CSR/ESG-AI; Sustainability and Business; Digital Sustainability and Responsibility; Engineering Management; Project Management; Construction Management; Industry 4.0; Digital Transformation; Strategy Management; Organizational Studies; Technology Management; Supply Chain Management; Circular Economy and Sustainable Innovation; AI; Responsible AI/Green AI; Business Model Innovation/Adaptation; Climate Change; Net Zero and Low Carbon City Development; Sustainable and Smart City; Blockchain; BIM; Digital Twin; Robotics; IoT

Publications

Conference Paper

Doctoral Thesis

Journal Article