Risk mitigation modelling of international construction projects executed by Indian firms: a structural equation modelling approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 2687-2713
Author(s):  
Satish Kumar Viswanathan ◽  
Kumar Neeraj Jha

PurposeA number of previous studies have investigated international construction project risks and have proposed risk mitigation measures without examining their interdependence. The purpose of the current study is to identify the influence of various risk mitigation measures on macro-level risk factors in the international marketplace.Design/methodology/approachThe authors initially identified 26 risk variables and nine risk mitigation measures through a literature review, which were then verified for their pertinence to international projects by three experts. Subsequently, 105 questionnaire survey responses were collected and analysed using factor analysis and structural equation modelling to test the interrelations between the risk variables and mitigation measures.FindingsThe findings suggest that joint ventures with local partners is emerged as the most critical risk mitigation measure that influences the international projects, which are exposed to political, project and firm-specific risk factors. Further, it is worth noting that among the recognised risk mitigation measures in international projects, offering more local employment is the least critical mitigation measure in the international projects.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study are based on the macro-risk factors encountered by Indian construction firms in international projects, mostly from specific Asian and African regions. Thus, the opinions of construction firms from the developed countries might be different.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this study to existing knowledge is empirical evidence of the interrelationships between risk mitigation measures and risk factors that are portrayed as latent variables of different manifest risk variables. The generated model can assist construction firms in emphasising several risk mitigation methods, in order to reduce risk and enhance performance in international construction projects.

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 2223-2242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hande Aladağ ◽  
Zeynep Işık

Purpose In build-operate-transfer (BOT) transportation projects, design and construction phases are critical in terms of their effect on time and cost overruns. The purpose of this paper is to identify the role of risk factors affecting these phases and their significance level for BOT transportation projects. Design/methodology/approach Design and construction risks were determined and then validated by focus group discussions. Afterwards, an illustrated case study was presented to better understand the effects of determined risks in a BOT mega transportation project. As the last step of the study, the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process method was used to prioritize risk factors. Findings The prominent risk factors were found out as occupational accidents, integration between design and construction phases and excessive design variations. Research limitations/implications Different kinds of BOT transportation projects in different countries might be executed very differently considering specific social, political, economic and other factors. However, the results of the study are important in terms of the specific lessons learned from the case study that can be used as a foundation for developing possible risk mitigation measures. Originality/value Though the risk management of BOT projects has been investigated frequently in the literature, there is a knowledge gap in the quantitative evaluation of risk significance specific to design and construction risks. The prioritization of determined risks with an associated case from a mega transportation project will contribute to the BOT project practitioners about possible challenges in design and construction phases in BOT mega transportation projects.


2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Wang ◽  
Shangde Gao ◽  
Pinchao Liao ◽  
Tsenguun Ganbat ◽  
Junhua Chen

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to construct a two-stage risk management framework for international construction projects based on the meta-network analysis (MNA) approach. A plethora of international construction studies seems to assume risks as independent and therefore, risk intervention strategies are usually critiqued as ineffective. Design/methodology/approach In the risk assessment stage, a multi-tiered risk network structure was developed with the project objectives, risk events, risk factors and stakeholders, and critical risk factors were selected based on a series of calculations. In the risk intervention stage, targeted risk intervention strategies were proposed for stakeholders based on the results of the first stage. A highway construction project in Eastern Europe was selected as a case study. Findings The results showed that 17 risk factors in three categories – external, stakeholder-related and internal – are critical, and the project manager, construction management department, supplier and contract department are the most critical stakeholders that affect the entire project performance. Based on the critical risk factors and project stakeholders, targeted risk intervention strategies were proposed. The risk assessment results of MNA were found to be more reliable and consistent with the project conditions than the risk matrix method; the risk intervention strategies of MNA can effectively address project objectives. Originality/value This study modeled risk priorities based on risk associations and put forward a new method for risk management, supplementing the body of knowledge of international construction. The results of this study are of critical importance in management practices.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Aghimien ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Tsholofelo Meno ◽  
Matthew Ikuabe

Purpose This study aims to present the result of an assessment of the risk of construction digitalisation with a view to sensitising and preparing construction organisations for unforeseen issues that might arise in the course of their digital transformation. Design/methodology/approach The study took a post-positivist stance through a quantitative research approach. A survey of construction professionals actively involved in construction projects in South Africa was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The analysis of the data gathered was done using mean item scores, Kruskal–Wallis H test, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings EFA revealed five principal risk factors (human and financial, technological, legal and security, operations and socioeconomic risk factors) associated with the digitalisation of construction organisations. However, SEM revealed that four out of these risk components have significant direct relationships with some selected digitalisation outcomes. These significant risk factors are technology, legal and security issues, operations and socioeconomic issues. Originality/value This study provides practical insight into the risk inherent in construction digitalisation, and its result can help organisations seeking to be digitally transformed make informed decisions. Theoretically, the study reveals the risks associated with construction digitalisation – an aspect that has not gained significant attention in the current fourth industrial revolution discourse. Therefore, its findings can form a basis for future studies on the risk of digitalising construction organisations.


Author(s):  
Ali Alashwal ◽  
Kashan Pirzada

The growing need for construction of all types coupled with a tight monetary supply has provided the construction industry with a big challenge to cut cost. According to Mendelson and Greenfield (1996) the remaining part of the twentieth century would involve corporations, institutions and government in a race to survive. A tremendous demand of development worldwide has gained interest of Malaysian construction firms to venture into international construction domain. Identifying and analysing major determinants of the firm's internal and external factors are crucial in order to ease the complexity in global market expansion. This study identifies the factors that are involved in reduction of international projects and its implications on the local economy and contractor companies. Construction projects are currently progressing slowly around the world as a result of the recent global economic crisis. In order to accommodate public needs within the current economic situation, the Malaysian Government has restricted the procurement of public sector projects to "necessary to meet public need" projects only thus narrowing the number of domestic projects available. Consequently, most major contractors have decided to change their focus by looking into international projects outside Malaysia not only to ensure the viability of their businesses but also for long-term survival. Although some Malaysian contractors have managed to penetrate successfully into international construction projects, Finally, this study is of relevance to Malaysian construction firms as it systematically highlights the internal and external factors those may affect their performance in international market. Type of Paper: Review Keywords: International Market; Malaysian Perspective; Causes; Critical Factors.


Author(s):  
Milind Jagtap ◽  
Sachin Kamble

Purpose The purpose of this paper is first to examine the effect of client-led and contractor-led supply chain initiatives on project performance in the Indian construction industry and second to assess how the client-led supply chain initiatives complement the contractor-led supply chain initiatives. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the effects of the client-led supply chain initiatives (reward power and competence trust of the construction clients) and the contractor-led supply chain initiatives (contractor integration and calculative commitment of the contractor) on project performance in construction projects are examined. The data were collected from 346 construction professionals working in Indian construction projects using purposive sampling. The proposed hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Findings The contractor-led supply chain initiatives, in the form of contractor integration and the calculative relationship commitment of a contractor, were found to be strong mediators, indirectly affecting the project performance. On the other hand, the client-led supply chain initiatives, in the form of the reward power of the client and the competence trust of the client, directly influence the project performance. Research limitations/implications This study reports the inevitable bias on the part of participants, who responded to the survey either in the capacity of client or contractor, although they might have executed projects in both capacities. Future studies could benefit from the use of objective data instead of behavioral data. Practical implications This study helps construction firms understand how to demarcate the client and contractor roles in the construction supply chain to improve the project performance. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in its investigation of the influence of client-led supply chain initiatives and contractor-led supply chain initiatives on project performance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 1169-1190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satish Kumar Viswanathan ◽  
Kumar Neeraj Jha

Purpose International construction projects encompass various risks, and it is essential to evaluate and manage them to achieve project and firms’ success. As approaches to addressing international market risks vary from one country to another, the purpose of this paper is to identify the critical risk factors of embarking on international construction projects according to Indian experiences. Design/methodology/approach After primarily verifying the identified 26 risk variables, a questionnaire survey was conducted to draw upon the views of experts who possess international project experience. The 105 responses were analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques. An analysis of variance identified the significant variables that influence overall performance on international construction projects, which were then grouped according to underlying relationships using factor analysis to determine the specific risk factors. Furthermore, considering these risk factors as independent variables and overall project performance as a dependent variable, a stepwise regression analysis was carried out to identify relatively critical risk factors. Findings The results revealed that of the identified four risk factors, the project-specific risk factor emerged as the foremost critical risk factor, the economic and market-specific risk factor was the second most critical risk factor, the firm-specific risk factor was the third most critical risk factor and the political-specific risk factor was the least critical risk factor. These findings were also validated appropriately. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to the data acquired from Indian construction firms, predominantly consultants and contractors. Though the survey respondents possessed adequate familiarity in international construction, commonly perceived limitations in self-reported surveys such as the lack of conscientious responses and reporting bias were not an exception in this research. Practical implications The risk factors and their criticality – as identified in this study – can aid the multinational firms and international aspirants to prioritize the critical aspects and develop a suitable risk mitigation strategy to achieve greater project success in international market. Originality/value By investigating the various risk factors that influence overall performance of international construction projects, this research considerably contributes to the body of knowledge pertaining to international construction risk management that will enable firms from India and similar developing nations to emphasize on critical risk factors.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 705-726
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap ◽  
Sin Yi Cheah

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the major challenges faced by Chinese international contractors (CICs) in the Malaysian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory sequential mixed-methods research approach was adopted where following a detailed literature review and semi-structured interviews with local professionals, 20 prevalent challenges experienced by CICs are identified. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was used to elicit the views of 100 construction practitioners. Descriptive statistics were used to prioritise the challenges, while exploratory factor analysis was conducted to uncover the underlying factors. Findings The five most crucial challenges identified relate to: changes of regulation, cost control, contract clauses, language barrier and quality control. Exploratory factor analysis revealed four major underlying dimensions of these challenges, in connection to financial and government policy management, organisational performance management, supplier relationship management and cross-cultural management. Research limitations/implications The challenges are considered primarily involving CICs in the context of Malaysia; further work can be extended to Western or other East Asian, such as Japanese and Korean, international contractors undertaking construction projects in Malaysia or selected developing countries around the region. Practical implications This study will benefit professionals involved with China-backed construction projects in countries sharing demographics and socio-economic characteristics akin to Malaysia. The outcome of the study is expected to facilitate project managers to devise proactive risk-mitigation measures to reduce the impact of these challenges and to improve project delivery. Originality/value The paper examined the challenges faced by CICs in the Malaysian context. This is a timely study, as China’s Belt and Road Initiative will provide considerable opportunities for Chinese companies in Malaysia.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 993-1005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasant Raval ◽  
Vivek Raval

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the attributes of Ponzi schemes (“Ponzis”) to determine whether they are a unique class of financial fraud. Design/methodology/approach The authors apply the disposition-based fraud model to classify and differentiate the attributes of Ponzis. This classification exercise helps comprehend the distinct drivers of Ponzis. Findings Fraud risk factors of Ponzis are different from those involved in other financial frauds. Four propositions about risk and risk mitigation measures are developed. Research limitations/implications The research approach used is conceptual, not empirical. However, the insights from this exercise should inform how different Ponzis are from other financial frauds and why they should be treated as a separate class for prevention and enforcement. In turn, this may trigger an interest in empirical research focused on the unique risks of Ponzis. Practical implications Knowledge of risk factors unique to Ponzis will permit a consideration of customized risk mitigation measures to prevent or detect Ponzis. Enforcement actions can also become more effective because of a distinct risk-based classification of Ponzis. Social implications The prevention of damage from Ponzis hinges upon how well prospective victims are educated to become aware of signs of Ponzis. This should lead to the more effective protection of investors from victimization from Ponzi schemes. Originality/value The implicit understanding that all financial frauds are alike and that the risk-factors involved are substantially the same across all classes of fraud is challenged. This revelation opens opportunities to add value through focused research on Ponzis as a distinct class of fraud.


Author(s):  
Chi Jin ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
Zhaoying Ye ◽  
Pengcheng Xiang

In recent years, more and more construction enterprises are expanding into overseas markets, especially in underdeveloped regions such as Africa. Compared to domestic construction projects, international construction projects have been faced with more uncertainties and increased levels of safety risks to the employees in the context of political turmoil, racism, and religious conflict in the host country. This study aims to answer what risk factors contribute to the threat to the safety of overseas employees and how safety risk factors interact, using employees from Chinese international construction companies (CICCs) in Africa as an example. A total of 39 safety risk factors were selected by literature review and case study based on Heinrich’s Domino Theory of Accident Causation. To identify the critical safety risk sources and significant risk paths, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 208 professionals who have participated in construction projects in Africa. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), a total of twelve critical risk paths and five controllable risk sources were identified. The improper behaviors of the CICCs and their employees were shown to have the largest impact on the safety of Chinese employees, through the mediating effect of the criminal offense. This study provides some insights into safety risk management in international construction projects. Meanwhile, the quantitative approach proposed can also be used by other international companies or governments in identifying the safety risk paths of their overseas workers involved in international construction projects.


Author(s):  
Long Tran ◽  
Guri Greiff ◽  
Alexander Wahba ◽  
Hilde Pleym ◽  
Vibeke Videm

Abstract Graphical Abstract OBJECTIVES The aim was to compare the relative effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and preoperative anaemia on 5-year mortality following open-heart cardiac surgery using structural equation modelling. We hypothesized that patient risk factors associated with RBC transfusion are of larger importance than transfusion itself. METHODS This prospective cohort study, part of the Cardiac Surgery Outcome Study at St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway, included open-heart on-pump cardiac surgery patients operated on from 2000 through 2017 (n = 9315). Structural equation modelling, which allows for intervariable correlations, was used to analyse pathway diagrams between known risk factors and observed mortality between 30 days and 5 years postoperatively. Observation times between 30 days and 1 year, and 1–5 years postoperatively were also compared with the main analysis. RESULTS In a simplified model, preoperative anaemia had a larger effect on 5-year mortality than RBC transfusion (standardized coefficients: 0.17 vs 0.09). The complete model including multiple risk factors showed that patient risk factors such as age (0.15), anaemia (0.10), pulmonary disease (0.11) and higher creatinine level (0.12) had larger effects than transfusion (0.03). Results from several sensitivity analyses supported the main findings. The models showed good fit. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative anaemia had a larger impact on 5-year mortality than RBC transfusion. Differences in 5-year mortality were mainly associated with patient risk factors.


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