Sing, M C P; Edwards, D J; Leung, A W T; Liu, H and Roberts, C J (2022) A theoretical framework for classifying project complexity at the preconstruction stage using cluster analysis techniques. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(9), pp. 3754-3774. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The accuracy and reliability of subjectively assessing a construction project's complexity at the pre-construction stage is questionable and relies upon the project manager's tacit experiences, knowledge and background. The purpose of this paper is to develop a scientifically robust analytical approach by presenting a novel classification mechanism for defining the level of project complexity in terms of work contents (WCs), scope, building structures (BSs) and site conditions. Design/methodology/approach: Empiricism is adopted to deductively analyze variables obtained from secondary data within extant literature and primary project data to develop project type classifications. Specifically, and from an operational perspective, a two-stage “waterfall process” was adopted. In stage one, the research identified 56 variables affecting project complexity from literature and utilized a structured questionnaire survey of 100 project managers to measure the relevance of these. A total of 27 variables were revealed to be significant and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is adopted to cluster these variables into six-factor thematic groups. In stage two, data from 62 real-life projects (including the layout and structural plans) were utilized for computing the factor score using the six-factor groups. Finally, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) is adopted to classify the projects into collected distinctive groups and each of a similar nature and characteristics. Findings: The developed theoretical framework (that includes a novel complex index) provides a robust “blueprint platform” for main contractors to compile their project complexity database. The research outputs enable project managers to generate a more accurate picture of complexity at the pre-construction stage. Originality/value: While numerous research articles have provided a comprehensive framework to define project complexity, scant empirical works have assessed it at the pre-construction stage or utilized real-life project samples to classify it. This research addresses this knowledge gap within the prevailing body of knowledge.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | clustering analysis; construction project complexity; pre-construction stage; staffing allocation |
| Index terms: | clustering, database, secondary data, pre-construction, project manager, platform, main contractor, complexity, project complexity, body of knowledge, computing, questionnaire, methodology, construction project, cluster analysis, accuracy, survey, research output, project data, exploratory factor analysis |
| Subjects: | project delivery, data analysis and analytics, knowledge management, data science, research products and data, practitioner, computing systems, profession, data collection methods, systems engineering, statistical analysis, data management, digital design, professional development, organizational theory, production management, research methods |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here