Design and construction risks in BOT type mega transportation 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.

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
LAYTH A KRAIDI ◽  
Raj Shah ◽  
Wilfred Matipa ◽  
Fiona Fiona Borthwick

The aim of this paper is to present the design and specifications of an integrated Delay Analysis Framework (DAF), which could be used to quantify the delay caused by the Risk Factors (RFs) in Oil and Gas Pipelines (OGPs) projects in a simple and systematic way. The main inputs of the DAF are (i) the potential list of RFs in the projects and their impact levels on the projects and the estimated maximum and minimum duration of each task. Monte Carlo Simulation integrated within @Risk simulator was the key process algorithm that used to quantify the impact of delay caused by the associated RFs. The key output of the DAF is the amount of potential delay caused by RFs in the OGP project. The functionalities of the developed DAF were evaluated using a case study of newly developed OGP project, in the south of Iraq. It is found that the case study project might have delayed by 45 days if neglected the consideration of the RFs associated with the project at the construction stage. The paper concludes that identifying the associated RFs and analysing the potential delay in advance will help in reducing the construction delay and improving the effectiveness of the project delivery by taking suitable risk mitigation measures.  


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Kasbar ◽  
Sheryl Staub-French ◽  
Angelique Pilon ◽  
Erik Poirier ◽  
Zahra Teshnizi ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the impact of mass timber construction methods on construction performance through the successful delivery of the first-of-a-kind tall wood building, Brock Commons Tallwood House (Tallwood House). This paper is one of a set of papers examining the project; companion papers describe innovations used during the mass timber design and construction processes. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method, longitudinal case study approach was used in this research project to investigate and document the Tallwood House project. Quantitative data were collected to perform the following analysis: hook time, the variability of productivity and schedule reliability. Members of the research team observed construction progress, meetings and decision-making, conducted periodic interviews and reviewed project artifacts. Findings The research presented in this paper is the culmination of a longitudinal study aimed at studying the innovation process on a project where radical innovations of structural systems were developed. Prefabrication, combined with the use of a virtual design and construction (VDC) model for planning and fabrication and early collaboration with trades, construction managers and consultants, increased the labor productivity of the on-site erection of the mass timber structural components and envelope panels and expedited the construction schedule. Originality/value This paper details an in-depth investigation into the construction productivity for a unique building project and lessons learned. The case study chosen is the construction of Tallwood House at the University of British Columbia. Tallwood House was the tallest mass-timber hybrid building in the world at the time of its construction.


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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 364-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Wing Chu

Purpose Despite the fact that schools should be places where learning occurs, most schools have overlooked the importance of knowledge. In contrast, commercial firms have recognized knowledge as a strategic intangible asset and a key resource of the enterprises. Therefore, enterprises have already harnessed knowledge to a great extent with wide practice of knowledge management (KM). The purpose of this paper is to show that KM could be applied to the education sector similar to the practice in the business world for leveraging intellectual assets. This paper examines how schools can kick off the process of KM implementation. This paper also reports what have been done and what should be done in KM implementation better in a school. This can give insights for schools which will try KM in near future. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a case study in a secondary school to explore how KM can be kicked off and sustained in a school setting. A KM system called knowledge base and a document management system called Digital Archive were developed to serve as the infrastructure for knowledge sharing. Lesson study and communities of practice (CoPs) were adopted to be the platforms for knowledge sharing among teachers in the school. A case study of the processes and lesson learned was done in this paper. Multiple sources of data, including observations, questionnaires and interviews, have been collected for evaluation. Findings In this paper, KM implementation was found to be effective through dual approaches: information-based and people-/interaction-based approaches. A knowledge base and a Digital Archive as knowledge repositories and lesson study and CoPs as platforms for knowledge sharing have been successfully established to facilitate sharing information/knowledge and nurturing a sharing culture and trust. Challenges faced and the related coping strategies during the process of implementation were shared and reflected. It was also found that building sharing culture is the critical turning point of the process of KM implementation. Breaking through the barrier of sharing was found to be very essential to KM implementation. Research limitations/implications This paper adopts case study methodology to report the process of KM implementation in a school. Although these results of the study conducted in one school may not be generalized to other school contexts, the lessons learned in the study will be a strong empirical evidence of research of KM implementation, especially in schools. Because of the limited number of prior studies and the importance of the pioneering work of launching KM implementation, this paper tries to address the research gap by using theory building from cases as a research strategy rather than theory testing research, especially in “how”and“why” in the steps of kicking off KM implementation in an unexplored research area. Practical implications This paper shows a case of KM implementation in a school with thoughtful procedures of implementing information-based and people-/interaction-based approaches. The paper is a showcase that will shed light on the processes and lessons learned and also helps to provide a model for schools who are interested in applying KM in their schools. Social implications Most people might think that KM can be applied only in commercial sector. This paper shows that KM can also be adopted in schools as well as other sectors. Originality/value This paper represents one of the pioneering work of implementing KM in a school. It hopes to make contributions for KM implementation also in the public sector within which are non-profit-making organizations.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Teye Amoatey ◽  
Samuel Famiyeh ◽  
Peter Andoh

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the critical risk factors affecting mining projects in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A purposive sampling approach was used in selecting the respondents for the study. These were practitioners working on mining projects in Ghana. Findings The study identified 22 risk factors contributing to mining project failure in Ghana. The five most critical mining project risk factors based on both probability of occurrence and impact were unstable commodity prices, inflation/exchange rate, land degradation, high cost of living and government bureaucracy for obtaining licenses. Mitigation measures for addressing the identified risk factors were identified. Research limitations/implications This paper is limited to data collected from practitioners working on mining projects. Due to geographic and logistical constraints, the study did not include the perception of local communities in quantifying the risk factors. Practical implications This paper has documented the critical risk factor affecting the mining industry in Ghana. Though the identified risk types are also prevalent in other sectors of the construction industry, the key findings of this paper emphasize the need for a comprehensive risk management culture in the mining sector. From an academic research perspective, the paper contributes to a conceptual risk assessment framework. Originality/value The information gathered through this research can be utilized in identifying and understanding risks during the early stages of mining project implementation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 518-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amarilis Lucia Casteli Figueiredo Gallardo ◽  
Caio Pompeu Cavalhieri ◽  
Sofia Julia Alves Macedo Campos ◽  
Omar Yazbek Bitar

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of mitigation measures adopted in a scheme of EIA follow-up by examining their performance in reducing geo-environmental impacts in earthwork activities during the Rodoanel southern section construction in São Paulo, Brazil. This environment is fragile in terms of affected watersheds because the highway crosses two important reservoirs that supply most of the metropolitan water demand. Therefore, this research also aims at promoting water quality control. Design/methodology/approach – This study combines complementary sources as evidences in the literature and field checks, tests and monitoring. The methodology was supported by criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of mitigation measures in the case study approach. Findings – The EIA follow-up activities contributed to the maintenance of environmental conditions in the majority of the control points at the end of the construction phase. Water quality parameters were not statistically different before and during the construction of the highway. The choice and arrangement of mitigation measures were successful in ensuring water quality control by avoiding siltation. Practical implications – A robust scheme for designing and evaluating mitigation measures contributes to the improvement of their effectiveness and is pivotal to the success of the EIA follow-up. Originality/value – This case study serves as an example for extending EIA follow-up practice in special to the improvement of the design and evaluation of mitigation measures in similar contexts.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 341-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naasson Gafirimbi ◽  
Rex Wong ◽  
Eva Adomako ◽  
Jeanne Kagwiza

Purpose Improving healthcare quality has become a worldwide effort. Strategic problem solving (SPS) is one approach to improve quality in healthcare settings. This case study aims to illustrate the process of applying the SPS approach in implementing a quality improvement project in a referral hospital. Design/methodology/approach A project team was formed to reduce the hospital-acquired infection (HAI) rate in the neonatology unit. A new injection policy was implemented according to the root cause identified. Findings The HAI rate decreased from 6.4 per cent pre-intervention to 4.2 per cent post-intervention. The compliance of performing the aseptic injection technique significantly improved by 60 per cent. Practical implications This case study illustrated the detailed application of the SPS approach in establishing a quality improvement project to address HAI and injection technique compliance, cost-effectively. Other departments or hospitals can apply the same approach to improve quality of care. Originality/value This study helps inform other hospitals in similar settings, the steps to create a quality improvement project using the SPS approach.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 171-176
Author(s):  
Campbell Macpherson

Purpose This paper aims to present a case study focused on developing a change-ready culture within a large organization. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on personal experiences gleaned while driving an organization-wide culture change program throughout a major financial advisory firm. Findings This paper details over a dozen key lessons learned while transforming the HR department from a fragmented, ineffective, reclusive and disrespected department into one that was competent, knowledgeable, enabling and a leader of change. Originality/value Drawing on the real-world culture change intervention detailed here, including results and lessons learned, other organizations can apply similar approaches in their own organizations – hopefully to similar effect.


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