Share:


Identification and quantification of project complexity from perspective of primary stakeholders in US construction projects

    Sharareh Kermanshachi Affiliation
    ; Elnaz Safapour Affiliation

Abstract

Construction experts believe that complexity could adversely affect construction projects’ performance. Several studies have been focused on identifying leading complexity indicators; however, the complexity indicators from the perspective of primary stakeholders (owners, contractors, and consultants) have been rarely studied. Therefore, the aim of this study is to utilize the systematic Delphi method to identify, rank and weight the complexity indicators based on the primary stakeholders’ perspectives associated with US construction projects. Additionally, the shared entity-based complexity indicators (ECIs), as well as the weighting of entity-based complexity categories were determined and analyzed. Therefore, 101 potential ECIs were identified through a comprehensive literature review. Then, thirteen senior subject matter experts (SMEs), and three academic advisors were selected and invited to participate in a workshop to determine significant ECIs and then rank and weight them. The results reveal that the ECIs associated with complexity categories “scope definition” and “project resources” received the highest aggregated complexity weights in the aspect of the primary stakeholders. Although this study has been conducted based on US construction projects, the results would provide helpful guidance for international construction projects. Moreover, this study would assist the primary stakeholders in allocating resources properly in order to manage project complexity worldwide.

Keyword : construction project, project complexity, primary stakeholders, complexity indicators, indicator weighting, indicator ranking

How to Cite
Kermanshachi, S., & Safapour, E. (2019). Identification and quantification of project complexity from perspective of primary stakeholders in US construction projects. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 25(4), 380-398. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2019.8633
Published in Issue
Apr 16, 2019
Abstract Views
2926
PDF Downloads
1727
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

References

Abdou, S. M., Yong, K., & Othman, M. (2016). Project complexity influence on project management performance – The Malaysian perspective. In The 4th International Building Control Conference 2016 (IBCC 2016) (Vol. 66, pp. 1-10). https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/20166600065

Ahern, T., Leavy, B., & Byrne, P. J. (2013). Complex project management as complex problem solving: A distributed knowledge management perspective. International Journal of Project Management, 32, 1371-1381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2013.06.007

Ahn, S., Shokri, S., Lee, S., & Haas, R. (2017). Exploratory study on the effectiveness of interface-management practices in dealing with project complexity in large-scale engineering and construction projects. Journal of Management in
Engineering, 33(2), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000488

Ameyaw, E. E., Hu, Y., Shan, M., Chan, A. P. C., & Le, Y. (2016). Application of Delphi method in construction engineering and management research: A quantification perspective. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 22(8), 991-1000. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2014.945953

Baccarini, D. (1996). The concept of project complexity – a review. International Journal of Project Management, 14(4), 201-204. https://doi.org/10.1016/0263-7863(95)00093-3

Brockmann, D. I. C., & Girmscheid, I. G. (2007). Complexity of megaprojects. In CIB World Building Congress 2007. Cape Town, South Africa.

Bosch-Rekveldt, M. G. C. (2011). Managing project complexity: A study into adapting early project phases to improve project performance in large engineering projects. Delft: Delft University of Technology.

Cabaniss, K. (2001). Counseling and computer technology in the new millennium: An internet Delphi study (Doctoral dissertation). Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia, USA.

Chan, A. P. C., Yung, E. H. K., Lam, P. T. I., Tam, C. M., & Cheung, S. O. (2001). Application of Delphi method in selection of procurement systems for construction projects. Construction Management and Economics, 19(7), 699-718. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446190110066128

Dalkey, N. C., & Helmer, O. (1963). An experimental application of the Delphi-method to the use of experts. Management Science, 9(3), 458-467. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.9.3.458

Dao, B., Kermanshachi, S., Shane, J., & Anderson, S. (2016). Project complexity assessment and management tool. Procedia Engineering, 145, 491-496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.04.026

Dao, B., Kermanshachi S., Shane J., & Anderson S. (2017). Exploring and assessing project complexity. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 143(5), 04016126. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001275

DeMacro, T. (1982). Controlling software projects. New York: Yourdon Press.

Fellows, R. F., & Liu, A. M. (2009). Research methods for construction (3rd ed.). Chichester: John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

Gao, N., Chen, Y., Wang, W., & Wang, Y. (2018). Addressing project complexity: The role of contractual functions. Journal of Management in Engineering, 34(3), 04018011. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000613

Gidado, K. (1996). Project complexity: The focal point of construction production planning. Construction Management and Economics, 14(3), 213-225. https://doi.org/10.1080/014461996373476

Gransberg, D. D., Shane, J. S., Strong, K., & Puerto, C. L. D. (2013). Project complexity mapping in five dimensions for complex transportation projects. Journal of Management in Engineering, 29(4), 316-326. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000163

Green, B., Jones, M., Hughes, D., & Williams, A. (1999). Applying the Delphi technique in a study of GPs information requirements. Health and Social Care in the Community, 7(3), 198-205. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2524.1999.00176.x

Gupta, U. G., & Clarke, R. E. (1996). Theory and applications of the Delphi technique: a bibliography (1975-1994). Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 53(2), 185-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-1625(96)00094-7

Hallowell, M. R., & Gambatese, J. A. (2010). Qualitative research: Application of the Delphi method to CEM research. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 136(1), 99-107. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000137

Hass, K. B. (2008). Introducing the new project complexity model. Retrieved from https://www.projecttimes.com/articles/introducing-the-new-project-complexity-model-part-i.html

Hasson, F., Keeney, S., & McKenna, H. (2000). Research guidelines for the Delphi survey technique. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32, 1008-1015. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2648.2000.t01-1-01567.x

He, Q. H., Luo, L., Hu, Y., & Chan, A. P. C. (2015). Measuring the complexity of mega construction projects in China – A fuzzy analytic network process analysis. International Journal of Project Management, 33(3), 549-563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.07.009

He, Q. H., Luo, L., Wang, J., Li, Y. K., & Zhao, L. (2012). Using analytic network process to analyze influencing factors of project complexity. In Proceeding of International Conference on Management Science and Engineering (p. 1781). IEEE Technology Management Council, New York, USA. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICMSE.2012.6414413

Ji, W., AbouRizk, S. M., Zaiane, O. R., & Li, Y. (2018). Complexity analysis approach for prefabricated construction products using uncertain data clustering. Journal Construction in Engineering Management, 144(8), 04018063. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001520

Kauffman, S. A. (1993). The origins of order. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Keeney, S., Hasson, F., & McKenna, H. P. (2001). A critical review of the Delphi technique as a research methodology for nursing. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 38(2), 195-200. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7489(00)00044-4

Keeney, S., Hasson, F., & Mckenna, H. (2011). The Delphi technique in nursing and health research. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781444392029

Kermanshachi, S., Dao, B., Shane, J., & Anderson, S. (2016a). An empirical study into identifying project complexity management strategies. Procedia Engineering, 145, 603-610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.04.050

Kermanshachi, S., Dao, B., Shane, J., & Anderson, S. (2016b). Project complexity indicators and management strategies – A Delphi study. Procedia Engineering, 145, 587-594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.04.048

Kermanshachi, S., Dao, B., Rouhanizadeh, B., Shane, J., & Anderson, S. (2018). Development of the project complexity assessment and management framework for heavy industrial projects. International Journal of Construction Education and
Research, 29(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2018.1499568

Kian Manesh Rad, E., Sun, M., & Bosche, F. (2017). Complexity for megaprojects in the energy sector. Journal of Management in Engineering, 33(4), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000517

Kiridena, S., & Sense, A. (2016). Profiling project complexity: Insights from complexity science and project management literature. Project Management Journal, 47(6), 56-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/875697281604700605

Lehtiranta, L. (2011). Relational risk management in construction projects: modeling the complexity. Leadership and Management in Engineering, 11(2), 141-154. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)LM.1943-5630.0000114

Lessard, D., Sakhrani, V., & Miller, R. (2014). House of project complexity – Understanding complexity in large infrastructure projects. Engineering Project Organization Journal, 4(4), 170-192. https://doi.org/10.1080/21573727.2014.907151

Lindeman, C. (1981). Priorities within the health care system: A Delphi survey. Kansas City: American Nurses’ Association.

Liu, S. (2015). Effects of control on the performance of information systems projects: the moderating role of complexity risk. Journal of Operations Management, 36, 46-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jom.2015.03.003

Lu, Y., Luo, L., Wang, H., Le, Y., & Shi, Q. (2015). Measurement model of project complexity for large-scale projects from task and organization perspective. International Journal Project Management, 33, 610-622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.12.005

Luo, L., He, Q., Xie, J., Yang, D., & Wu, G. (2017). Investigating the relationship between project complexity and success in complex construction projects. Journal of Management in Engineering, 33(2), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000471

Manoliadis, O. G., Pantouvakis, J. P., & Christodoulou, S. E. (2009). Improving qualifications-based selection by use of the fuzzy Delphi method. Construction Management and Economics, 27(4), 373-384. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446190902758993

Manoliadis, O. G., Tsolas, I., & Nakou, A. (2006). Sustainable construction and drivers of change in Greece: a Delphi study. Construction Management and Economics, 24(2), 113-120. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446190500204804

Martino, J. P. (1983). Technological forecasting for decision-making. New York: Elsevier.

Maylor, H. (2003). Project management (3rd ed.). Harlow: FT Prentice Hall.

Maylor, H., Vidgen, R., & Carver, S. (2008). Managerial complexity in project-based operations: A grounded model and its implications for practice. Project Management Journal, 39(1), 15-26. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.20057

McKenna, H. P. (1994). The Delphi technique: a worthwhile approach for nursing? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 19, 1221-1225. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.1994.tb01207.x

Nguyen, A. T., Nguyen, L. D., Le-Hoai, L., & Dang, C. N. (2015). Quantifying the complexity of transportation projects using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. International Journal of Project Management, 33, 1364-1376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.02.007

Okoli, C., & Pawlowski, S. D. (2004). The Delphi method as a research tool: an example, design considerations and applications. Information Management, 42, 15-29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2003.11.002

Owens, J., Ahn, J., Shane, J. S., Strong, K. C., & Gransburg, D. D. (2011). Defining complex project management of large US transportation projects: A comparative case study analysis. Public Works Management and Policy, 16(4), 234.1-234.10. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087724X11419306

Perera, B., Rameezdeen, R., Chileshe, N., & Hosseini, M. R. (2014). Enhancing the effectiveness of risk management practices in Sri Lankan road construction projects: A Delphi approach. International Journal of Construction Management, 14(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2013.875271

Powell, C. (2003). The Delphi technique: myths and realities. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 41(4), 376-382. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2648.2003.02537.x

Priyadharsini, B., & Rathinakumar, V. (2018). Assessment of factors influencing construction project complexity (CPC).
International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 9(4), 396-402.

Puddicombe, M. (2012). Novelty and technical complexity: critical constructs in capital projects. Journal of Construction in Engineering and Management, 138(5), 613-620. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000459

Qureshi, S. M., & Kang, C. W. (2015). Analyzing the organizational factors of project complexity using structural equation modeling. International Journal of Project Management, 33, 165-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.04.006

Remington, K., & Pollack, J. (2007). Tools for complex projects. Surrey: Gower Publishing.

Remington, K., Zolin, R., & Turner, R. (2009). A model of project complexity: distinguishing dimensions of complexity from severity. In Proceedings of the 9th International Research Network of Project Management Conference. Berlin, Germany.

Safapour, E., & Kermanshachi, S. (2019). Identifying early indicators of manageable rework causes and selecting and mitigating best practices for construction. Journal of Management in Engineering, 35(2), 04018060. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000669

Safapour, E., Kermanshachi, S., Shane, J., & Anderson, S. D. (2017). Exploring and assessing the utilization of best practices for achieving excellence in construction projects. In Proceeding 6th CSCE/CRC International Construction Specialty Conference Leadership in Sustainable Infrastructure. Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, Montreal, Canada.

Safapour, E., Kermanshachi, S., Habibi, M., & Shane, J. (2018). Resource-based exploratory analysis of project complexity impact on phase-based cost performance behavior. In Proceedings of Construction Research Congress. ASCE, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784481271.043

Safapour, E., Kermanshachi, S., & Ramaji, I. (2018). Entity-based investigation of project complexity impact on size and frequency of construction phase change orders. In Proceedings of Construction Research Congress. ASCE, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784481271.066

Senescu, R. R., Aranda-Mena, G., & Haymaker, J. R. (2012). Relationships between project complexity and communication. Journal of Management in Engineering, 29(2), 183-197. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000121

Shafiei-Monfared, S., & Jenab, K. (2012). A novel approach for complexity measure analysis in design projects. Journal of Engineering Design, 23(3), 185-194. https://doi.org/10.1080/09544828.2011.554389

Simon, H. A. (1969). The sciences of the artificial (2nd ed.). MIT Press.

Sinha, S., Thomson, A. I., & Kumar, B. (2001). A complexity index for the design process. In International Conference on Engineering Design, Professional Engineering Publishing (pp. 157-163). London, UK.

Sinha, H., & Singh, A. (2006). Measuring project complexity: A project manager’s tool. Architecture, Engineering, Design, and Management, 2, 187-202. https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2006.9684615

Sinha, H., Kumar, B., & Thomson, A. (2011). Complexity measurement of a project activity. International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 8(4), 432-448. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJISE.2011.041804

Skulmoski, G., Hartman, F., & Krahn, J. (2007). The Delphi study for graduate research. Journal of Information Technology Education, 6, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.28945/199

Stillwell, W. G., Seaver, D. A., & Edwards, W. (1981). A comparison of weight approximation techniques in multi-attribute utility decision-making. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 28(1), 62-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/0030-5073(81)90015-5

Thomas, J., & Mengel, T. (2008). Preparing project managers to deal with complexity: Advanced project management education. International Journal of Project Management, 26(3), 304-315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2008.01.001

Vidal, L. A., & Marle, F. (2008). Understanding project complexity: implications on project management. Kybernetes, 37(8), 1094-1110. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920810884928

Vidal, L. A., Marle, F., & Bocquet, J. C. (2011a). Measuring project complexity using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. International Journal of Project Management, 29(6), 718-727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2010.07.005

Vidal, L. A., Marle, F., & Bocquet, J. C. (2011b). Using a Delphi process and the analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate the complexity of projects. Expert Systems with Applications, 38(5), 5388-5405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2010.10.016

Wiendahl, H. P., & Scholtissek, P. (1994). Management and control of complexity in manufacturing. Annals of the CIRP, 43(2), 533-540. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0007-8506(07)60499-5

Wood, H., & Ashton, P. (2010). The factors of project complexity. In TG62 - Special Track 18th CIB World Building Congress. Salford, UK.

Xia, B., & Chan, A. P. C. (2012). Measuring complexity for building projects: A Delphi study. Engineering, Construction, and Architectural Management, 19(1), 7-24. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699981211192544

Yeung, J. F. Y., Chan, A. P. C., & Chan, D. W. M. (2009). Developing a performance index for relationship-based construction projects in Australia: Delphi study. Journal of Management in Engineering, 25(2), 59-68. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0742-597X(2009)25:2(59)

Yik, F. W., Lai, J. H., Lee, W. L., Chan, K. T., & Chau, C. K. (2012). A Delphi study on building services engineers’ core competence and statutory role in Hong Kong. Journal of Facilities Management, 10(1), 26-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/14725961211200388

Young, S. J., & Jamieson, L. M. (2001). Delivery methodology of the Delphi: A comparison of two approaches. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 19(1), 42-58.