Pidomson, G B (2016) Unexpected events in Nigerian construction projects: A case of four construction companies. PhD thesis, Walden University, USA.
Abstract
In Nigeria, 50% to 70% of construction projects are delayed due to unexpected events that are linked to lapses in performance, near misses, and surprises. While researchers have theorized on the impact of mindfulness and information systems management (ISM) on unexpected events, information is lacking on how project teams can combine ISM and mindfulness in response to unexpected events in construction projects. The purpose of this case study was to examine how project teams can combine mindfulness with ISM in response to unexpected events during the execution phase of Nigerian construction projects. The framework of High Reliability Theory revealed that unexpected events could be minimized by mindfulness defined by 5 cognitive processes: preoccupation with failure, reluctance to simplify, sensitivity to operations, commitment to resilience, and deference to expertise. In-depth semi-structured interviews elicited the views of 24 project experts on team behaviors, tactics, and processes for combining mindfulness with ISM. Data analysis was conducted by open coding to identify and reduce data into themes, and axial coding was used to identify and isolate categories. Findings were that project teams could combine mindfulness with ISM in response to unexpected events by integrating effective risk, team, and communication management with appropriate training and technology infrastructure. If policymakers, project clients, and practitioners adopt practices suggested in this study, the implications for social change are that project management practices, organizational learning, and the performance of construction projects may improve, construction wastes may be reduced, and taxpayers may derive optimum benefits from public funds committed to construction projects.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Lolas, A |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | failure; reliability; communication; learning; organizational learning; training; Nigeria; case study; project team; construction project; information system; project management practice; client; interview |
| Index terms: | practitioner, construction project, information system, data analysis, organizational learning, interview, project management practice, project client, construction company, commitment, project team, construction waste, mindfulness, case study, Nigeria, information systems management |
| Subjects: | data analysis and analytics, project delivery, data collection methods, health conditions and diseases, sociology, information systems, software systems, professional development, project management theory and practice, psychology, organization, waste management, practitioner, production management, Geography |
| Topics: | Sustainability, Project Management, Geographical Context, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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