Modelling critical risk factors for Indian construction project using interpretive ranking process (IRP) and system dynamics (SD)

Moreover, there is an increasing amount of literature covering specific geotechnical risk analysis and management topics. Examples of these are the difference between unsafe geotechnical certainty and safe geotechnical uncertainty (Barends, 2005), the role of the human factor in achieving geotechnical reliability (Bea, 2006), objective and subjective ways of geotechnical risk classification (Altabba et al., 2004), and contractual allocation of geotechnical risk (Essex, 2007).

In India, majority of manufacturing organizations comes under small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) that are recognized as backbone for the economy by contributing a significant amount in gross domestic product (GDP). In the competitive business environment, SMEs are trying to enhance the value of their production and services on decimating the non-productive activities from their manufacturing systems. It has been reported in previous explorations that lean manufacturing (LM) is an approach to recognize and eliminate different forms of waste from the production process, and improve the business performance. Therefore, SMEs has to follow lean manufacturing to ensure sustainable profitability. To optimise the LM implementation benefits, organization/s must see the different success factors thoroughly. So far, critical success factors (CSFs) of lean manufacturing in labour intensive SMEs were not explored systematically. In this study, CSFs for implementing lean are extracted from literature and were analysedand validated after discussion held with relevant industrial experts/academicians. Interpretive ranking process (IRP) technique was employed to observe the relationship amongst the CSFs. To check the interpretations and pair-wise comparison, a dominance system graph for each performance measures was developed. The results revealed that regular training and education for workers, proper selection of lean tools/techniques and low scrap/rework/elimination of waste are the most CSFs for implementing lean in Indian ceramic SME sector.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report a study on analysis of barriers for cyber-physical system (CPS) adoption in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachIn Industry 4.0 scenario, Indian SMEs are struggling to bring their manufacturing processes in line with large manufacturing sector. CPS is considered as the backbone of Industry 4.0, and its implementation in SMEs will make significant changes pertaining to manufacturing automation. However, due to the lack of a proper CPS implementation strategy, SMEs face many challenges in its adoption. Hence, this study identified 18 possible barriers and seven performance measures pertaining to CPS adoption in Indian SMEs. Interpretive ranking process (IRP) is used to develop the contextual relationships among CPS barriers. IRP process include structured step-by-step matrix-based approach in which dominance among various alternatives is determined using performance measures developing a structured ranking model.FindingsThe developed IRP model revealed that CPS barriers “Lack of skilled manpower (CPSB2)” and “Lack of robustness with respect to environmental conditions in automotive environments (CPSB7)” are the most significant barriers (top two) hindering CPS adoption in SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsIn the present study, barriers for CPS adoption has been analyzed. In future, barriers for adopting other Industry 4.0 technologies could be analyzed.Practical implicationsThe present research work is one of the few studies which analyzed CPS barriers in SMEs and provided improvement suggestions to the most significant barriers for its smooth adoption. The managerial and practical implications have been derived.Originality/valueThe analysis of barriers for CPS adoption in SMEs is the original contribution of the authors.

The construction industry has a dynamic and complex environment. The successful completion of a construction project depends on various factors. Accordingly, construction delay is observed to happen in construction projects. It is highly affecting the construction sector and the economy of the country too. Although previous research studies identified the causes, effects, and mitigation methods separately, this study adopts a linked approach and directs to identify the effective applicable mitigation methods and their practices on each significant cause of delay in construction projects. Moreover, contractors are noted as one of the main sources of construction delay from the previous studies. Hence, this research aims to develop a framework to determine the applicable mitigation strategies and the practices of each mitigation strategy for each significant cause of contractor’s delays in construction projects in Sri Lanka. A mixed research approach was adopted to generate the research process. A literature review was conducted on construction delays, organizational and project management factors, and professional competency, mitigation strategies in delay management. The significant causes of delays and effective mitigation strategies were ranked through a questionnaire survey using a Likert scale. Project Managers and Quantity Surveyors in the Sri Lankan construction industry were selected in the ratio of 1:3 respectively for the interview as they are mostly engaged with delay management. Also, the respondents were limited to 68 and the collected data were analysed through the Relative Important Index (RII) method, to rank the significant causes and mitigation strategies. Then techniques and possible mitigation strategies were found through interviews and content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings indicated that most of the contractor’s delays can be mitigated through applying proper mitigation strategies as effective management approaches in the construction projects such as effective project planning and schedules of construction works, maintain positive financial stability and well qualified and experienced professionals and staff, effective strategic planning, risk analysis, and management, selection of suitable sub-contractor and management and effective site management and supervision. In addition to that, inaccurate planning and scheduling of the project, financial dishonesty, poor procurement of construction materials, ineffective time management of contractors, and incompetence of management professionals and staffs were identified as the most significant contractor’s causes of delays in construction management.
 Keywords: Delays, Significant Causes, Mitigation, Construction Management, Construction Projects.

PurposeThe oil and gas construction projects are affected negatively by the drop in oil price in recent years. Thus, most engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies are opting to optimize the project mainly to mitigate the source of risks in construction to achieve the project expectation. Risk factors cause a threat to the project objectives regarding time, cost and quality. It is additionally a vital component in deviating from the client's expectation of productivity, safety and standards. This research aims to investigate the causes of risk in the oil and gas construction projects in Yemen.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review from various sources including books, conference proceedings, the Internet project management journals and oil and gas industry journals was conducted to achieve the objectives of this study. This initial work was predicated strictly on a literature review and the judgments of experts to develop the risk factor framework for the oil and gas construction projects in Yemen.FindingsThe authors found a few studies related to risk factors in oil and gas construction projects and shared a similar view about general construction projects. However, only a fraction of the factors accepted have included the variances of other studies on a regional basis or specific countries, such as the Yemen situation, due to the differences between the general construction industry and oil and gas industry. Moreover, the factors of these attributes were still accepted due to their applicability to the oil and gas industry, and no significant variances existed between countries. Research has indicated that 51 critical factors cause risks in the oil and gas construction projects in Yemen. Such risk factors can be divided into two major groups: (1) internal risk factors, including seven critical sources of risks, namely client, contractor, consultant, feasibility study and design, tendering and contract, resources and material supply and project management; and (2) external risk factors, including six sources of critical risk factors, namely national economic, political risk, local people, environment and safety, security risk and force-majeure-related risk factors. A risk factor framework was developed to identify the critical risk factors in the oil and gas construction projects in Yemen.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was limited to the oil and gas construction projects.Practical implicationsPractically, this study highlights the risk factors that cause a negative effect on the success of oil and gas construction projects in Yemen. The identification of these factors is the first step in the risk management process to develop strategic responses for risks and enhance the chances of project success.Social implicationsThe identification of risks factors that cause the failure of construction projects helps develop response strategies for these risks, thereby increasing the chances of project success reflected in the oil and gas sector, which is a main tributary of the national economy in developing countries.Originality/valueThis research is the pioneer for future investigations into this vital economic sector. Given the lack of resources and studies in the field of construction projects for the Yemeni oil and gas sector, the Yemeni government, oil companies and researchers in this field are expected to benefit from the results of this study. The critical risk factors specific to the oil and gas construction projects in Yemen should be further investigated with focus only on Yemen and its oil and gas industry players.

PurposeThe concept of third-party logistics service provider (3PLSP) has been considered as an essential organizational philosophy to achieve profits. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and examine the contextual relationship among the critical success factors (CSF) of 3PLSPs practices in the cement manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the total 20 critical selection criteria with nine processes for the 3PLSPs, of an Indian cement manufacturing industry have been identified through an exhaustive literature review and opinions of the experts i.e. academics and industries. Interpretive ranking process (IRP) methodology has been presented to find out the rankings of the individual criteria and the mutual influence in the selection process.FindingsThe proposed model establishes the dominance of relationship among identified criteria, which plays a vital role in the 3PLSPs selection process which are experience in similar product, quality of management, information technology capacity, flexibility in operation and delivery, compatibility with the users.Research limitations/implicationsAn empirical research approach has not been used to collect primary data to rank different criteria for effective 3PLSPs implementation in the Industry. In this paper, an example of Indian cement industry is presented to show the real world applicability of the proposed model.Originality/valueThis model would help a decision maker to decide the issues related to a selection of 3PLSPs. The third party service provider comprises the use of external companies who controls and delivers logistic activities. The paper discusses very practical issues in an analytical manner, using the case base method.

Background The construction industry has an important role in the economy of countries, as the construction industry represents 6.1 percent of the gross domestic product in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A global disaster such as an epidemic causes long-term damage to society, the economy, and related industries. The recent COVID-19 epidemic is one of such disasters. The construction industry was greatly affected by the epidemic globally, as well as in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods This research aims to determine the impact of the epidemic on construction projects and shed light on the actions taken to mitigate the impact of the epidemic through a multiple case study of three construction projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were conducted with professionals in these projects. Descriptive analysis and the Relative Importance Index (RII) were used. Results The impact was of high importance on the project time throughout all projects, especially on the project schedule; the RII value was the maximum. Secondly for material delivery within time ranged from 0.8 – 0.91 for RII value and in terms of the mitigation actions taken, communication between project management and employees witnessed maximum effectiveness reached to 83% of participants reported a very effective response, with the help of modern technologies. Most factors ranged from limited effectiveness to ineffective. Conclusion This research contributes to determine the effects of the epidemic and the actions taken to mitigate it, which benefits the organizations and stakeholders in the field of construction and engineering project management, to develop and improve actions, and to prepare and plan for similar circumstances in the future.

There is a strong correlation between practised critical success factors and the efficiency of performance measurement systems in delivering satisfactory service. Construction project success is affected by multiple diminution factors, including critical success factors. Determining success factors is a vital tool that leads to project success. However, application of critical success factors alone is not enough but is necessary as a part of performance measurement systems. Despite the significance of critical success factors in the construction industry and the vast amount of research conducted, Saudi Arabia's construction industry in general and its performance measurement in particular have not yet been investigated. The objectives were to investigate and identify the various attributes that affect the performance of municipal construction projects in Saudi Arabia. The study was carried out through review of previous research and postal questionnaire returns from 261 Saudi municipalities. The field work was conducted for three key participants, namely contractors, owners and consultants, to identify performance measures and critical success factors to design performance measurement systems. The review concentrated on critical success factors, performance measures and obstacles associated with their application. Statistical analysis techniques used were mean values and analysis of variance. The survey concluded that the most important critical success factors for three stages reduced from 69 to 20 factors.

PurposeIn today's competitive market subject to various uncertainties, supply chain flexibility (SCF) arose as a potential weapon to enhance the firm's performance. This paper model the effect of SCF on automobile industry performance during sales promotional schemes (SPS), which has turned out to be one of the most important marketing tools.Design/methodology/approachIn view of the literature and the expert opinion taken from an automobile OEM, the SCFs and performance measures pertaining to the SPS environment have been identified. For the purpose of ranking the SCFs with respect to the performance measures, the Interpretive Ranking Process (IRP) has been applied using the direct contact method as a means for establishing the contextual relationships between SCFs and performance measures and to draw the interpreting reasons behind them.FindingsThe findings of this study along with the validity and stability of the results assessed through the system graphs and sensitivity analysis demonstrate that flexibility at the procurement end followed by the organizational end has the highest impact on the performance of the company during SPS.Originality/valueAnalysis of SCFs in regard to performance measures during SPS helps improve supply chain performance and offer valuable insights to the practicing managers in decision-making. This study augments the flexibility literature, by clubbing the two independent research streams, SCF and SPS.

Project activity sometimes encounters problems that cannot be solved using existing methods and models used in project and program management. This, first of all, relates to the management of interested parties in construction projects. The peculiarity of special construction cargoes (heavy road engineering, large-sized constructions and equipment, pipes, oversized capacities, complex elements of architectural compositions, etc.) is that, due to their technical characteristics, they cannot always be transported on public roads using conventional transport. In the implementation of such "transport" subprojects in some cases it is necessary to overcome the paths, raise the power lines or even change the landscape. All this requires the creation and development of fundamentally new approaches to managing interested and non-interested parties in projects whose participants are subject to mutually antagonistic decisions and actions. Therefore, the creation and implementation of an effective system of support for the adoption of optimal design decisions in the process of project management and programs in the construction industry, in which there is a conflict of interest between the various interested and unwelcome parties, is very relevant. The problems of management of the interested parties of the construction projects in the presence of special resources supply operations are analyzed. The basics of planning of the processes of management of interested or uninterested parties in the construction projects are developed. Methods of prevention and compensation of counteraction to uncertainty in the processes of management of the interested parties of construction projects are developed. The system of decision-making support in the proactive construction management "SOLINTR" has been developed. The practical tests of the "SOLINTR" system in the enterprise, which specializes in the transport of large-sized cargoes, with a positive technical effect are carried out. The possibility of efficient use of new project-oriented methods and models for successful proactive management of the construction process using operations of transportation of special cargoes in conditions of internal contradiction between groups of people from among the project implementers has been confirmed.

Developing project management competency: perspectives from the construction industry

The scientific paper explores the specifics of applying NLP communication in the professional activities of a manager in an architectural and construction company. The relevance of using rapport techniques for effective interaction with various professional groups in the context of transformation in the construction industry has been substantiated. Theoretical foundations of NLP approaches and their practical application in management activities have been analysed. The main elements of rapport have been examined: nonverbal mirroring, verbal mirroring, emotional synchronization, and alignment with the interlocutor’s values. Techniques for establishing rapport are described in detail, including crossover mirroring and calibration. A review of scientific studies by domestic and foreign scholars regarding the use of NLP techniques in professional communication and management activities has been conducted. Practical examples of NLP technique application in various communicative situations within an architectural and construction company are presented: in communication with clients, architects, builders, suppliers, investors, and the project team. A system of practical recommendations for implementing NLP communication into managerial practice is proposed, including diagnostics of the communicative environment, development of communication protocols, enhancement of team interaction, and conflict management. A system for evaluating the effectiveness of NLP approach implementation has been developed, based on quantitative and qualitative indicators such as the speed of managerial decision-making, the percentage of tasks completed on time, employee satisfaction level, and the quality of interdepartmental cooperation. Particular attention is paid to the impact of NLP techniques on improving project management efficiency and optimizing business processes in architectural and construction companies. The specifics of applying different communication strategies depending on the interlocutor’s professional profile and the context of interaction have been analysed. Key success factors for implementing NLP approaches into the corporate culture of the organization have been identified. The features of adapting communicative approaches to the specifics of various departments have been considered: from the project office to production units, from the financial sector to customer service. The influence of digital transformation on communication processes has been studied, and ways of integrating NLP techniques into modern communication platforms have been proposed. The results of the study demonstrate that the use of rapport techniques significantly improves the quality of communication, reduces conflict levels, increases team motivation, and optimizes the implementation processes of construction projects. The practical value of the obtained results lies in the development of a system of recommendations for integrating NLP techniques into the daily management practices of an architectural and construction company, which provides a foundation for enhancing overall management efficiency and strengthening the organization’s competitive position in the market. Mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of communication processes through KPI systems and regular surveys have been proposed, as well as approaches for developing a crisis management and strategic communication system. The study has both theoretical and practical significance for the development of management science and practice in the construction industry, offering innovative approaches to organizing communication processes and improving the efficiency of managing construction projects.

Purpose This paper aims to identify the critical project management success factors and analyze those factors to achieve a sustainable construction industry in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach This study identified 41 major problematic factors from the related literature. In this research, a detailed questionnaire survey was conducted among the experts and stakeholders of the construction industry of Bangladesh. The survey was carried out on a Likert scale and ranked the critical factors using the relative importance index (RII). The 41 problematic factors were divided into five group factors and ranked by the RII index to prioritize the factors. Finally, stakeholders' opinions were analyzed with the critical assessed factors, which was a very effective technique to eliminate the risks and uncertain occurrences in the construction industry of Bangladesh. Findings The factors analysis revealed that cost overrun, traffic jam, low wedges, slow payment for completed works and financial issues of the owner were leading critical factors in construction projects. Moreover, the critical factors are divided into five-factor groups, namely, financial management, monitoring and feedback, competency management, communication and coordination management, and risk management, which exhibit 0.767, 0.720, 0.711, 0.710 and 0.658 RII values. After all, the stakeholders' opinion suggested that implementing modern tools and techniques can help to avoid the critical situation in the construction industry of Bangladesh. Practical implications The construction industry of Bangladesh is moving away from stable construction work day by day. Previously, the potential CSFs were discussed unstructured way. Hence, detecting early warning signals in a structured way has become necessary for the building firm's survival. Originality/value Though some scattered critical issues are discussed in different literature, the critical issues of the Bangladeshi construction industry were not investigated extensively. Therefore, this study finds out the potential critical issues of the construction industry of Bangladesh to accumulate such harmful construction issues in a single platform so that the construction industry can have an overview of them with the help of innovative technologies.

The paper deals with the situation of manufacturing of customized engineering products under intense competitive environment. Such customized engineering products can be manufactured by different types of production systems such as job production, batch production, mass production, and flexible manufacturing systems. It then becomes an important decision to choose the best one among these production systems which is also dependent on multiple criteria. The three basic criteria predominantly considered in the context of manufacturing are cost, quality, and flexibility. The paper applies the efficient interpretive ranking process (IRP) as an interpretive multi-criteria ranking method to demonstrate its utility in this context. It considers the design of the decision problem by treating the cross-interaction matrix of ‘Alternatives × Criteria’ as a unit matrix, i.e. each alternative is linked with each criterion. In this type of decision problem, the IRP method is implemented with transitive dominance relationships. Further, it carries out the sensitivity analysis concerning different ordinal weights of various criteria. The paper also makes a methodological contribution in IRP by way of computing dominance index rather than simply considering net dominance (which would be either positive or nil or negative). The dominance index gives a better depiction of the dominance of one alternative over the others.

Disputes are an inevitable and significant aspect of the construction industry that cannot be disregarded. This study is a bibliometric literature review analysis of the existing sources on disputes in the construction industry. The study includes academic publications such as journal and review articles, conference papers, and book chapters. The data was obtained from publications indexed on Scopus database. The objective is to identify patterns, key themes, and the evolution of research on construction conflicts. The software tool VOS viewer created a co-occurrence network based on the bibliographic data obtained. Additionally, a Sankey diagram was generated to analyze the types and patterns of publications. The findings indicate the presence of seven prominent study clusters in the field of construction disputes, including "Project and Construction Management," "Construction Industry and Conflict Management," "Laws and Legislation," "Contractors and Contract Management," "Cost Management and Change Order," "Information Technologies and Smart Contract," and "Artificial Intelligence." The focus of the investigation has shifted from "Law and Legislation" to "Information Technologies and Smart Contracts," "Artificial Intelligence," and "Project and Construction Management" as trending topics. The findings of this study can highlight current research topics on construction disputes, contribute to determining research direction, and offer new areas for further research.