Yi-Hsin Lin, Zixuan Huang and Yuqing Gao
This study investigates the influence of market and hierarchy organizational cultures on international project performance and examines the mediating role of relational capital.
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the influence of market and hierarchy organizational cultures on international project performance and examines the mediating role of relational capital.
Design/methodology/approach
In-depth interviews and a cross-sectional questionnaire survey were conducted to collect primary data within international projects. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses based on data collected from 62 respondents.
Findings
The results reveal that both market and hierarchy cultures affect international project performance positively. Additionally, communication, cooperation and trust help enhance project performance; however, commitment is not. This study also proves the mediating role of relational capital between organizational culture and project performance.
Research limitations/implications
This study selected only two types of organizational culture represented by Chinese construction enterprises. Future studies can explore the mediating role of relational capital between other varieties of organizational culture and project performance.
Originality/value
Given the high complexity and risks faced by projects abroad, both organizational culture, the internal environmental factor and relational capital being the external resource, are crucial for project success. This study clarifies the relationship between organizational culture, relational capital and project performance overseas. Empirical evidence to enhance international project performance for construction enterprises is provided. This study also makes contributions to international contractors who want to implement projects in developing countries.
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Temidayo Oluwasola Osunsanmi, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala and Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke
The idea of implementing supply chain management (SCM) principles for the construction industry was embraced by construction stakeholders to enhance the sector's performance. The…
Abstract
The idea of implementing supply chain management (SCM) principles for the construction industry was embraced by construction stakeholders to enhance the sector's performance. The analysis from the literature revealed that the implementation of SCM in the construction industry enhances the industry's value in terms of cost-saving, time savings, material management, risk management and others. The construction supply chain (CSC) can be managed using the pull or push system. This chapter also discusses the origin and proliferation of SCM into the construction industry. The chapter revealed that the concept of SCM has passed through five different eras: the creation era, the use of ERP, globalisation stage, specialisation stage and electronic stage. The findings from the literature revealed that we are presently in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) era. At this stage, the SCM witnesses the adoption of technologies and principles driven by the 4IR. This chapter also revealed that the practice of SCM in the construction industry is centred around integration, collaboration, communication and the structure of the supply chain (SC). The forms and challenges hindering the adoption of these practices were also discussed extensively in this chapter.
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Satish Kumar Viswanathan and Kumar Neeraj Jha
A number of previous studies have investigated international construction project risks and have proposed risk mitigation measures without examining their interdependence. The…
Abstract
Purpose
A 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/approach
The 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.
Findings
The 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/implications
The 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/value
The 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.
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Yi Wang, Xiaopeng Deng and Hongtao Mao
This paper aims to explore the key risk factors affecting the Personnel Localization Management of international construction projects under the major public emergencies…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the key risk factors affecting the Personnel Localization Management of international construction projects under the major public emergencies represented by the novel coronavirus pneumonia pandemic (hereinafter COVID-19) and how the public emergency affected the Personnel Localization Management from three levels: staff turnover rate, the number of different personnel, the salary and performance of workers. The paper also helps to enhance the construction enterprises' response capacity of major public emergencies and provides a comprehensive framework of optimization strategies for the Personnel Localization Management of international construction projects (hereinafter projects).
Design/methodology/approach
The main research method of this paper is the case study, and ten representative international construction projects are selected for case study in China construction enterprises (hereinafter CCE). And this study used the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and comparative analysis to find out all potential risk factors under the COVID-19 and analyze how the epidemic affects the Personnel Localization Management of projects which based on the primary data from 10 projects obtained through in-depth interviews and the secondary data from China First Metallurgical Group and Central South Construction Group's Overseas Enterprise.
Findings
The findings show that the outbreak of the major public emergencies not only greatly increased eight risk factors but also directly led to an increase in staff turnover rate. Meanwhile, the numbers of Chinese and local managers and workers are all affected, and an increase in the number and the salary performance of local workers can be reduced, to a certain extent, to the cost-to-output ratio of the projects. The findings would help construction enterprises better cope with Personnel Localization Management and enhance the response capacity of major public emergencies.
Research limitations/implications
This study will broaden researchers' horizons regarding “Personnel Localization Management under major public emergencies” and “risk factors of Personnel Localization Management in an international context.” Furthermore, construction enterprises looking for a better mechanism of Personnel Localization Management can benefit from research findings and lessons learned from the authors' case study during or before an outbreak of major public emergency. Lastly, the framework of optimization strategies for Personnel Localization Management can be used both for research purposes and practice issues in international construction projects.
Practical implications
The findings from the authors' case study offer the direction for international construction enterprises in China and other countries to formulate effective measures, strengthen overseas business and establish a crisis management mechanism for Personnel Localization Management under major public emergencies, and the findings provide emergency plans for projects to improve the public crisis handling capacity and respond to major public emergencies such as the COVID-19.
Social implications
This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 on the Personnel Localization Management of international construction projects from the perspective of personnel. This study provides a theoretical reference for the international construction industry to actively respond to major public emergencies. Besides, the research is conducive to improving the emergency response mechanism in the construction industry, and further promoting the high-quality and globalized development of international construction.
Originality/value
This study provides other researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the risk factors affecting the Personnel Localization Management of projects under the COVID-19 and insight for further research on localization management, risk management, and project management.
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Satish Kumar Viswanathan and Kumar Neeraj Jha
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…
Abstract
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.
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Li Feng, Junying Liu, Zhixiu Wang and Yanyan Hong
The regulatory landscape surrounding international construction projects presents significant challenges, and contractors are still struggling to pay a painful price for their…
Abstract
Purpose
The regulatory landscape surrounding international construction projects presents significant challenges, and contractors are still struggling to pay a painful price for their performance in the project. While existing research has identified various causes of contractor compliance, the intricate interplay of these factors and their impact on compliance remain largely elusive. The motivation-opportunity-ability (MOA) framework may hold the key to determining what factors can foster induced contractor compliance in international projects.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected 124 valid data samples from practitioners involved in large-scale international contracting projects through expert interviews and questionnaire surveys. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was employed to analyze the diverse combinations of contractor compliance factors.
Findings
The study identifies seven key factors that contribute to compliance behavior among international construction contractors: economic motivation, social motivation, normative motivation, legal completeness, deterrent sanctions, organizational learning and compliance management ability. The interplay of these factors promotes compliance in the following ways: When international construction contractors are influenced by both social and normative motivations, they exhibit a higher level of compliance. In situations where regulatory systems are relatively weak, the ability to manage compliance becomes the primary driver of compliance behavior for businesses. A comprehensive legal framework creates a conducive environment for contractors to improve their compliance through organizational learning.
Research limitations/implications
The findings offer guidance for international construction contractors in enhancing compliance by considering factors such as motivations, legal frameworks, organizational learning and compliance management. This can lead to improved risk management and performance in international projects.
Social implications
This research enhances fair and ethical practices in international construction by identifying compliance drivers, fostering positive social impact, mitigating negative consequences and empowering local communities. It informs legal and regulatory reform, encourages improved business practices and contributes to knowledge advancement in the field. Overall, the findings have the potential to positively impact the social fabric of international construction projects.
Originality/value
This study has made an important contribution to the field of compliance theory by integrating theories from multiple disciplinary domains and constructing a new theoretical framework from the perspectives of motivation, opportunity and capability. By elucidating how these factors interact and influence compliance behavior among international construction contractors, this research aids in understanding the complex dynamics of contractor compliance behavior and provides theoretical reference for compliance governance within the construction industry.
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Gul Polat and Befrin Neval Bingol
The main objective of this paper is to show how fuzzy logic and multiple regression analysis (MRA) techniques can be used by construction companies for determining the size of…
Abstract
Purpose
The main objective of this paper is to show how fuzzy logic and multiple regression analysis (MRA) techniques can be used by construction companies for determining the size of contingency that will be included in bid prices for international construction projects in a more systematic way and to compare their modelling performances.
Design/methodology/approach
The steps followed in the execution of this study mainly consists of: conducting a literature review on international construction in order to identify the factors that may affect contingency amounts that will be included in bid prices for international construction projects; developing the general framework of the proposed contingency estimation model; designing a questionnaire based on the information gathered from the literature review, delivering these questionnaires to construction experts, and obtaining the actual data of 36 international construction projects; developing a fuzzy logic model based on expert judgments and three multiple regression analysis models (MRAM) using the collected data; and comparing the performances of these approaches.
Findings
In this study, a fuzzy logic model and three MRAM were developed. Their modelling performances were compared using actual data obtained from 36 international construction projects that had been completed by 20 large-scale Turkish construction companies in 14 different countries. It is found that the developed fuzzy logic model outperforms the MRAM built for the studied projects.
Originality/value
This study shows that fuzzy logic and MRA techniques can be successfully used by construction companies, which predominantly do business in foreign countries, for estimating the size of cost contingency that will be included in bid prices for international construction projects. The modelling performances of fuzzy logic and MRAM are also compared.
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Alaeldin Abdalla, Xiaodong Li and Fan Yang
Besides ensuring traditional project objectives, expatriate construction professionals (EXCPs) working on international projects face challenges adapting to unfamiliar…
Abstract
Purpose
Besides ensuring traditional project objectives, expatriate construction professionals (EXCPs) working on international projects face challenges adapting to unfamiliar environments with varying construction standards, work practices and cultural values. This puts them at a high risk of job burnout. Thus, this study aims to investigate the antecedents and outcomes of EXCPs' job burnout in the international construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the Job demands-resource model (JD-R), a theoretical framework was developed. Industry-specific stressors and expatriate management practices were identified using a literature review and interviews. The authors then used a questionnaire survey to collect data from Chinese EXCPs. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were then utilized to test hypotheses.
Findings
The findings indicate that early-career EXCPs experience the most severe levels of job burnout. The paths analysis proved the direct and indirect mitigating effects of expatriate management practices on job burnout, and EXCP's job burnout was associated with poor job performance and decreased intention to stay in the international assignment.
Originality/value
While prior research has explored job burnout among construction professionals working on domestic projects, little attention has been given to EXCPs and their unique challenges. This study aims to fill this critical gap in the literature by offering a unique perspective on the antecedents and outcomes of job burnout among EXCPs in international contexts and presents a significant contribution to understanding and addressing occupational health issues faced by EXCPs.
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George Wang, Huanqing Lu and Zhaomin Ren
Current construction management programmes in higher education institutions provide students with sound technical and management knowledge. However, in the twenty‐first century…
Abstract
Current construction management programmes in higher education institutions provide students with sound technical and management knowledge. However, in the twenty‐first century, construction professionals need to be familiar with the cultural, environmental, and political factors that could affect international projects and know how to work effectively in the global arena. How to face the unique challenges due to rapidly increasing globalisation is the question that concerns construction educators around the world. However, current construction management curricula do not usually provide students with even basic training on international project management. To remedy this defect, globalisation components have been incorporated into construction management education at East Carolina University through lecture exchange, study abroad, student exchange, scholar exchange, and research exchange activities. This paper presents the international activities performed, the outcomes, and student growth in international construction management.
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Edwin H.W. Chan and Henry C.H. Suen
Unfamiliar with the Chinese culture and ways of doing business, foreign architects/engineers/contractors (AEC) firms will encounter differences with the local parties. With…
Abstract
Purpose
Unfamiliar with the Chinese culture and ways of doing business, foreign architects/engineers/contractors (AEC) firms will encounter differences with the local parties. With reference to the characteristics of Chinese culture on disputes, this paper studies the problem areas of dispute and of resolving disputes in international construction projects in China. The objectives are to: examine the fundamentals of Chinese culture and ways of doing business; examine the characteristics of international projects and investigate any differences in the dispute problems arising from China International Projects; identify the most popular dispute resolution mechanism(s) for international projects in China; and recommend possible ways to reduce and resolve disputes of these projects.
Design/methodology/approach
After literature review, a questionnaire was designed for face‐to‐face interviews with 40 practitioners to collect their opinions.
Findings
The results show that the problem areas giving rise to disputes are mainly related to contractual matters. To reflect the characteristics of international projects in China, cultural and legal matters are also found to be the sources of problem. Arbitration is the most popular method, after negotiation, for resolving disputes in international construction projects in China.
Research limitations/implications
The number of interviewees in this study could be improved and further study could include experts in Mainland China.
Originality/value
There is not much literature on dispute resolution management for international construction projects in China, with particular reference to cultural differences. This paper offers an invaluable reference for those foreign AEC firms interested in joining international projects in China.
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Guanghua Li, Chuan Chen, Guomin Zhang and Igor Martek
Factors affecting bid/no-bid decisions of international projects are more complex than those of domestic projects. The purpose of this paper is to identify and rank decision…
Abstract
Purpose
Factors affecting bid/no-bid decisions of international projects are more complex than those of domestic projects. The purpose of this paper is to identify and rank decision factors considered by variously sized Chinese international contractors (CICs) and categorize those groups of factors important to experienced practitioners.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis of factors identified by a literature review is conducted based on data derived from questionnaire results received from 119 CIC project and bidding managers. The relative importance of factors is measured by mean value and standard deviation. The discrepancy in rank and importance value perceived by variously sized CICs are explored by ranking disparity analysis, non-parametric test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test. Finally, factor analysis is used to categorize the underlying groups of factors considered by CICs.
Findings
In sum, 41 factors are identified through the literature review as having an impact on the bid decision. Significant disparities in ranking and importance are found in several factors, which partially affect the consistency of the ranking of factors perceived between large and small-medium CICs. Ultimately, nine major factors are identified as impacting the bidding decision, with “contractor’s capability” and “country risk of the host country,” being the most important.
Research limitations/implications
The weight of a factor considered in a decision varies across contractors as a function of contractor size. Whether using models or subjective judgment in making decisions, it is beneficial to fully understand the main groups of factors influencing the decision. Vulnerability to country risk emerges as the first criterion accessed in the bid decision.
Originality/value
A comprehensive set of factors is established for CICs, including both general factors common to domestic projects, and international factors unique to international projects. All factors are grouped by inferential analysis from the perspective of contractors, which reveals the underlying mechanism of the bid decision-making process. While the data were collected from CICs, the methodology in exploring factors, along with implications, is determined to be applicable internationally.
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Zhixiu Wang and Kunhui Ye
Construction enterprises increase their competitive advantage by joining the project ecosystem, but the dual nature of the enterprise’s niche has attracted attention, and existing…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction enterprises increase their competitive advantage by joining the project ecosystem, but the dual nature of the enterprise’s niche has attracted attention, and existing research has gaps in understanding niche and ecosystem governance issues. This study aims to promote ecosystem compliance governance by exploring the impact of the niche of the key role of construction enterprises on compliance behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the study proposes a model on the impact of the enterprise's niche on its compliance behavior and the mediating role of the enterprise's perception of sanctions and the moderating role of a shared vision for compliance of ecological partners within these relationships. Second, we used 205 samples, who were Chinese contractors with international construction project experience through a questionnaire survey. Third, the study conducted a hierarchical regression to test the hypothesis.
Findings
The results show that construction enterprises with a wider niche or with a higher degree of niche overlap are more inclined to performance compliance. Enterprises' perception of sanctions plays a part in mediating the enterprise's niche and compliance behavior. The relationship between enterprises' perception of sanctions and compliance behavior can be moderated by the shared vision for compliance of ecological partners. Given a low compliance shared vision of ecological partners, the impact of enterprise perception of sanctions on compliance behavior is positively stronger.
Practical implications
The findings provide valuable evidence upon which ecosystem governance needs to focus and leverage the role of key members, using the advantageous resources of key members as a fulcrum to leverage a larger governance scope. Construction enterprises should keep improving their niche and the shared vision for partners' compliance to promote the evolution and upgrading of cooperation to an ecosystem model that creates greater value.
Originality/value
This study provides new insights for future compliance governance in the project ecosystem by introducing the concept of niche and answering whether construction enterprises with a higher niche in the project ecosystem are more willing to implement compliance behavior.
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Ayodeji E. Oke, Seyi S. Stephen and Clinton O. Aigbavboa
Alaeldin Abdalla, Xiaodong Li, Fan Yang and Qianhui Lou
With the rise in international construction projects, addressing the psychological health concerns of expatriate construction professionals (EXCPs) has become of paramount…
Abstract
Purpose
With the rise in international construction projects, addressing the psychological health concerns of expatriate construction professionals (EXCPs) has become of paramount importance. Therefore, this study aims to identify and evaluate effective intervention measures to promote optimal psychological health and well-being in overseas working environments.
Design/methodology/approach
Intervention measures were identified through a comprehensive literature review. Subsequently, using a case study of Chinese international contractors, data were collected via a quantitative survey administered to EXCPs holding managerial positions in international construction projects. Fuzzy synthetic evaluation was employed to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings identified 23 intervention measures and 4 constructs, among them, measures focused on enhancing organizational justice and training practices offer the greatest potential for enhancing the psychological health and well-being during international assignments. Furthermore, the analysis showed that the overall criticality of the intervention measures to the international contractors is significant, suggesting that if put into practice, the psychological health and well-being of EXCPs can be significantly enhanced.
Originality/value
While prior research has explored intervention measures suitable for construction professionals working on domestic projects, little attention has been paid to EXCPs in the context of international construction projects. This study offers an initial exploration of the most crucial intervention measures and provides a valuable resource for policymakers and practitioners seeking to establish a psychologically healthy working environment for international construction projects.
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Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap and Sin Yi Cheah
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the major challenges faced by Chinese international contractors (CICs) in the Malaysian construction industry.
Abstract
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.
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Tao Wang, Shangde Gao, Pinchao Liao, Tsenguun Ganbat and Junhua Chen
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…
Abstract
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.
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Qianwen Zhou, Shou Chen, Xiaopeng Deng and Amin Mahmoudi
This paper aims to explore the key factors affecting knowledge transfer within cross-cultural teams in international construction projects from three levels: individual factors…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the key factors affecting knowledge transfer within cross-cultural teams in international construction projects from three levels: individual factors, team factors and knowledge characteristics. It also provides a comprehensive framework to examine how trust, cultural distance, team identification, knowledge tacitness and complexity and members' transfer willingness impact knowledge transfer effectiveness within cross-cultural teams.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual model and 16 hypotheses were put forward through the literature review and pilot investigation. This study used structural equation modeling to examine how factors affect the effectiveness of knowledge transfer within cross-cultural teams based on the questionnaire data of samples from Chinese international construction projects.
Findings
The findings show that affect-based trust and team identification positively affect the willingness to contribute knowledge. Conversely, knowledge tacitness, knowledge complexity and cultural distance negatively influence contribute willingness. Moreover, affect-based trust, cognition-based trust and team identity positively affect receive willingness, while cultural distance negatively impacts receive willingness. Additionally, affect-based and cognition-based trust, knowledge tacitness and complexity affect transfer effectiveness through the full mediation of transfer willingness, while cultural distance and team identity affect transfer effectiveness through the partial mediation of transfer willingness.
Research limitations/implications
On the one hand, this research provides a holistic framework for factors affecting knowledge transfer within cross-cultural teams from three levels: individual factors, team factors and knowledge characteristics. On the other hand, the paper gives other researchers in international project management the enlightenment of focusing on members' cultural structure and the cross-cultural training of the team.
Practical implications
This study offers the direction for cross-cultural team managers to formulate helpful approaches for knowledge transfer and assist corporate leaders in taking integral control measures to enhance knowledge transfer effectiveness within the team.
Originality/value
This study provides other researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the key factors affecting knowledge transfer within cross-cultural teams in international construction projects and insight for further research on project management and knowledge management.
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Chiemela Victor Amaechi, Safi Ullah, Xiaopeng Deng, Salmia Binti Beddu, Idris Ahmed Ja’e, Daud Bin Mohamed and Agusril Syamsir
The purpose of this article is to investigate the influence that firm-specific characteristics, such as organisational capabilities, risk management methods and stakeholder…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to investigate the influence that firm-specific characteristics, such as organisational capabilities, risk management methods and stakeholder relationships, have on political risks (PRs) that are associated with multinational construction projects in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology employed in this investigation involved the acquisition of data through the use of questionnaires administered to experts in the construction industry. The research applied a quantitative method, and the sources of the data are from the Pakistani stakeholders. One hundred questionnaires were used for the data collection during field visits. Based on the data, it has been ensured that the valid questionnaires were utilised, and the data were tested for validity and reliability. The analysis tool utilised was SPSS software. For the questionnaire, a total of 15 firm-specific factors were considered in order to design the survey, which specifically targeted the identified features. The factors identified as risks were investigated using quantitative method to determine firm-specific risks.
Findings
It was found that when stakeholders have a better grasp of these dynamics, they are better able to strengthen their resilience and efficacy in managing PRs, which ultimately increases the likelihood that the project will be successful.
Research limitations/implications
International construction projects (ICPs) in emerging countries are substantially impacted by PRs, which can have a considerable impact on their success and sustainability. The study is localised and not generic as it is limited to Pakistan, and the risk factors considered are firm-specific but related to PRs.
Practical implications
By identifying key risk factors, these firms can develop targeted risk management strategies, leading to enhanced decision-making and more efficient resource allocation. Effective strategies include diversification, local partnerships and comprehensive risk assessments tailored to the unique challenges faced by international contracting firms in Pakistan.
Social implications
ICPs in emerging countries like Pakistan face critical problems, which include the presence of PRs. Although the larger political environment plays a significant part, the manner in which businesses navigate and mitigate PRs is also influenced by firm-specific elements.
Originality/value
The study is novel in terms of the factors looked at, the data, the conceptual framework and the findings of the study. The dynamic political scene, which is characterised by instability, policy changes, corruption and geopolitical conflicts, poses significant dangers to the timeliness of projects, the expenses of such projects and the investments that are made in those projects.
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Stephen Akunyumu, Frank Fugar and Emmanuel Adinyira
The failure rate of international construction joint venture (ICJV) projects has been noted to be high in developing countries due to the complexity and risky nature of…
Abstract
Purpose
The failure rate of international construction joint venture (ICJV) projects has been noted to be high in developing countries due to the complexity and risky nature of construction projects in the international market. The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate the risks facing ICJV projects in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
A risk register was developed through a comprehensive literature review. The identified risks were then used in a questionnaire survey involving local and foreign partners in ICJV projects in Ghana.
Findings
From a total of 74 risks identified, categorized into country-level risks, market-level risks and project-level risks, the “top ten” risks found to be the most critical risks facing ICJV projects in Ghana include unstable currency exchange rates, inflation, design changes, high-interest rate, budget overrun, cash flow problems of the client, economy fluctuation, difficulty in obtaining approval of projects from host government authorities/bureaucracy, potential financial distress of JV partner and bribery and corruption.
Originality/value
This study provides a comprehensive list of risks ICJV partners are likely to encounter on their projects in developing countries. Furthermore, this study improves on one of the major limitations of previous ICJV studies by collecting data from both partners of the ICJV, appropriate for cross-cultural examination and comparison.
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Eyad Zouher Al-Sibaie, Ali Mohammed Alashwal, Hamzah Abdul-Rahman and Umi Kalsum Zolkafli
Conflict was recognized as a major cause of inefficiency and limited performance of construction projects. Factors pertaining to conflict in construction are vast; however, there…
Abstract
Purpose
Conflict was recognized as a major cause of inefficiency and limited performance of construction projects. Factors pertaining to conflict in construction are vast; however, there have been less recognition of these factors in international construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to provide in-depth understanding of conflict in this context and analyze how it influences project performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 161 professionals working in Malaysian companies, which are undertaking construction projects overseas.
Findings
Analyzing the data using factor analysis revealed six new factors of conflict: external, internal, control-related, knowledge-related, mismanagement, and social conflicts. Further analysis of the data using partial least squares-path modeling (PLS-PM) affirmed a significant relationship between project performance and two factors of conflict only: internal and social. The results also showed that conflict contributes to about 27 percent of the variance in project performance.
Originality/value
This paper provided a clear picture for project managers and team members about specific aspects of conflict and how to mitigate them to attain better performance of international construction projects.