An analysis of challenges in international construction projects: Daniel Haussner (original) (raw)

Key Strategies in Undertaking International Construction Project: Contractors’ Perspective

MATEC Web of Conferences, 2019

The pressures of internationalisation have generated a high competitive market on Malaysian construction industry. However, the competitive and saturated of domestic market has driven many Malaysian contractor to undertake international projects. Without any denial, participation in international projects is a challenging task. It requires Malaysian contractors to develop strategy to enable them to operate successfully abroad. Therefore, the objectives of this research is to examine the key challenges for Malaysian contractors to undertake international construction projects thus identify strategies for Malaysian contractors to undertake international construction projects. To achieve the objectives of this research, quantitative method were adopted by using questionnaires. Questionnaire were distributed to participants from well experienced management team of G6 and G7 companies that have vast involvement in international projects. The findings of this research revealed that skille...

The Influence of Cultural and Social Factors on International Construction Project Management

International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024

International construction projects are increasingly influenced by cultural and social factors that shape project dynamics and outcomes. This study explores the impact of cultural intelligence, diversity management strategies, and social capital on project success in diverse global contexts. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of literature and empirical research, the findings highlight the critical role of cultural adaptation, effective communication, and stakeholder engagement in mitigating risks and enhancing project performance. The implications for project managers and stakeholders include fostering a culturally sensitive approach to project management and leveraging social relationships to navigate complexities inherent in international construction environments.

A conceptual model for overcoming the challenges of mega construction projects in developing countries

2014

The development of Mega Construction Projects (MCPs) in developing countries is a two-edged dilemma. On the one hand, MCPs require high design knowledge and technical skills, competent human resources and managerial capabilities as well as high cost investment. On the other hand, developing countries have shortage in many of these requirements, which obstructs the development of MCPs. This paper aims to develop a conceptual model to overcome the challenges of MCPs development in developing countries. To achieve the aforementioned aim, theoretical and practical approaches were adopted to accomplish three objectives. Firstly, literature review examined the characteristics of developing countries, MCPs and challenges of delivering MCPs in developing countries; secondly, presenting an innovative model, developed by the author, to overcome the challenges of delivering MCPs in developing countries; and finally, summarising research conclusions and recommendations necessary to facilitate t...

Venturing Into International Construction Project: Malaysian Perspective

2015

The growing need for construction of all types coupled with a tight monetary supply has provided the construction industry with a big challenge to cut cost. According to Mendelson and Greenfield (1996) the remaining part of the twentieth century would involve corporations, institutions and government in a race to survive. A tremendous demand of development worldwide has gained interest of Malaysian construction firms to venture into international construction domain. Identifying and analysing major determinants of the firm’s internal and external factors are crucial in order to ease the complexity in global market expansion. This study identifies the factors that are involved in reduction of international projects and its implications on the local economy and contractor companies. Construction projects are currently progressing slowly around the world as a result of the recent global economic crisis. In order to accommodate public needs within the current economic situation, the Malaysian Government has restricted the procurement of public sector projects to “necessary to meet public need” projects only thus narrowing the number of domestic projects available. Consequently, most major contractors have decided to change their focus by looking into international projects outside Malaysia not only to ensure the viability of their businesses but also for long-term survival. Although some Malaysian contractors have managed to penetrate successfully into international construction projects, Finally, this study is of relevance to Malaysian construction firms as it systematically highlights the internal and external factors those may affect their performance in international market. Keywords: International Market; Malaysian Perspective; Causes; Critical Factors.

The role of project managers in construction industry development

2008

This paper reports on an international study into construction industry development that was used as a framework for a study into Hong Kong's construction industry and, based on the findings, argues that the role of a project manager is important to the development of the industry. Having used the same approach for both studies allowed for comparison with and validation of the international generic model. Statistical factor analysis was used to generate the following eight factors that are currently active in the development of Hong Kong's construction industry: financial resources; physical resources; competition; coordination and cooperation; government intervention; long-term vision and policy; communication between government and the industry; and a learning culture. Whilst these factors are sometimes different to the generic model, there is more that they have in common. Many of these have important implications for the role of project managers in the industry. The findings explained in this paper are helpful to all stakeholders in the construction industry from project managers to policy makers worldwide, who face similar challenges to those found in Hong Kong when considering how to best contribute towards the development of their particular construction industry. The paper provides clear examples to show that project managers are in the unique position of being able to significantly influence and effectively promote construction industry development through their management skills and values at various levels, including those at the grass-roots.

Determining Success Criteria and Success Factors for International Construction Projects for Malaysian Contractors

Construction Economics and Building

The success of international construction projects is fraught with various challenges such as competitiveness, lack of resources, versatile global economy, and specific conditions in the host country. Malaysian contractors have been venturing into global construction market since early 1980s. However, their venturing was not successful all the time. The number of international projects awarded to Malaysian contractors has reduced drastically during the past decade. Taking advantage of this experience, this paper aims to identify the success criteria and success factors of international construction projects. The data was collected from 120 respondents using a questionnaire survey and analysed using principal component analysis and regression analysis. The results revealed three principal criteria of project success namely, Management Success, Functional Success, and Organisation Success. The main components of success factors include Team Power and Skills, Resource Availability, Ext...

Project Management Knowledge of Construction Professionals: Cross-Country Study of Effects on Project Success

Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2013

This multinational study of the contribution of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) to the success of construction engineering projects was performed to reveal cross-country similarities and differences. A survey questionnaire of professional engineers in the construction industry (project managers, stakeholders, and team members) was performed in Taiwan, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the effects of PMBOK techniques/tools/skills (TTSs) on project success (PS). The contributions to the PMBOK include (1) a novel PS index (PSI) framework adapted from the American Customer Satisfaction Index and an importance-performance analysis (IPA) for prioritizing PMBOK TTS predictors of PS, (2) an IPA technique for identifying PMBOK TTS items that help construction practitioners improve PS by implementing effective managerial strategies, enhancing project performance, and improving the efficient use of management resources, and (3) guidance in the current use of PMBOK TTSs by practitioners and educators in the construction engineering field. Empirical data obtained in a cross-country comparison confirm that effective use of PMBOK TTSs substantially increases the probability of PS. Moreover, construction practitioners can develop management knowledge needed to increase the likelihood of PS based on TTS that this study identified as essential for project performance.

Architect Critical Challenges as a Project Manager in Construction Projects: A Case Study

Advances in Civil Engineering, 2014

All construction professionals such as civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, and architects have important roles in the construction process. Among these, architects are frequently appointed as a project manager (PM). The role of a PM will drive the success of the projects implementation. Therefore, the capability of an architect as a PM (ArPM) is critical in reducing challenges encountered. Accordingly, the identification of these challenges is an important task in selecting an appropriate ArPM. The aim of this study is to identify the most critical challenges faced by an ArPM for construction projects. The data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with architects and professionals in the Malaysian construction industry. Because of the fuzziness and uncertainty of subjective responses, Fuzzy Set Ttheory is applied to identify critical challenges. A total of 65 questionnaires were distributed and 36 questionnaires were returned. The results revealed that the critical challenges faced by an ArPM are "poor planning, " "unfamiliar technology, " "unfamiliarity with green buildings and materials, " "inappropriate scheduling, " and "poor workmanship. " All critical challenges were then categorized into six main groups including technical, managerial, personal skills, contractual, psychological, and financial.