Rowles, Mitchell (2019) Analysis of Influencing Factors of Construction Project Complexity from Different Stakeholders Perspectives. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
The study aimed at identifying and defining specific factors that drive complex road construction projects and determine the influencing factors of project complexity, from different stakeholder’s perspectives. This was done by looking at various stages of the project lifecycle, by how these processes could be better managed. With the focus purely being from an general internal organisational point of view.
A two-round questionnaire survey Delphi method approach was used to collect data. Fifteen industry experts (stakeholders) were engaged to provide their opinion and consensus as to the most influencing and complex factors in regards to project complexity at different stages of the project lifecycle of a road construction project. An Importance weighting and Complexity Index (CI) was determined and developed based on the measures identified for their comparative significance.
It was found that the five complexity measures for an overall road construction project included, (1) buildability of the design; (2) cost constraints; (3) technical aspects; (4) environment (Access/Location); and (5) urgency of the project schedule. For each stage of the project development lifecycle they were determined as follows:
• Conception stage: (1) definition of project objectives; (2) level of project definition; (3) Project expectations; and (4) managing stakeholder expectations.
• Strategic stage: (1) level of unknowns; (2) confirming the preferred option; (3) consulting appropriate stakeholders; and (4) strategic estimate.
• Concept stage: (1) engineering and field investigation outcomes; (2) developing the concept design; and (3) the concept design estimate.
• Detailed stage: (1) managing the level and scope of the project; (2) developing the detailed design; and (3) managing project risks.
• Construction stage: (1) managing construction activities and services; (2) managing site risks; and (3) managing construction contracts.
• Finalisation stage: (1) finalising and handover of the completed works; (1) identifying ongoing maintenance works and planning; and (2) post completion review. It was also determined that the project owner (client) is the most influential stakeholder and that the earliest stages of the project development lifecycle are most important for managing stakeholder inputs, having the most project uncertainty while also being considered as most likely to be overlooked. Communication was indicated as a key measure of maintaining stakeholder relationships. While the panel suggested the current project management guidelines are too convoluted and needed simplifying, there are issues surrounding politics, and client’s knowledge of project complexities that are difficult to manage through guidelines.
These findings on complexity measures will be able to assist stakeholders in evaluating degrees of complexity of the projects they are working on to better handle future risks that could be caused to distinct levels of complexity of projects. They also provide an important view for defining and understanding the complexity that comes with a project. Understanding and addressing this complexity will contribute to improving project planning and execution for stakeholders into the future.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Civil Engineering and Surveying (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Mahmood, Nateque; Elks, Gary |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) |
| Date Deposited: | 11 Aug 2021 04:26 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Jun 2023 23:07 |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/43101 |
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