AlKheder, S; Al Otaibi, H; Al Baghli, Z; Al Ajmi, S and Alkhedher, M (2025) Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) assessment of Kuwait mega construction projects' complexity. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(3), pp. 1903-1946. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Megaproject's construction is essential for the development and economic growth of any country, especially in the developing world. In Kuwait, megaprojects are facing many restrictions that discourage their execution causing a significant delay in bidding, design, construction and operation phases with the execution quality being affected. The objective of this study is to develop a complexity measurement model using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for megaprojects in Kuwait, with a focus on the New Kuwait University multi-billion campus Shadadiyah (College of Social Science, Sharia and Law (CSSL)) as a case study. Design/methodology/approach: The study applies a hybrid fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method to compare the results with those obtained using the conventional AHP method. This can facilitate the project management activities during the different stages of construction. Data were collected based on the results of a two-round Delphi questionnaire completed by seniors and experts of the selected project. Findings: It was found that project modeling methodology was responsible for complexity. It was grouped under several categories that include technological, goal, organizational, environmental and cultural complexities. The study compares complexity degrees assessed by AHP and FAHP methods. "Technological Complexity" scores highest in both methods, with FAHP reaching 7.46. "Goal Complexity" follows closely behind, with FAHP. "Cultural Complexity" ranks third, differing between methods, while "Organizational" and "Environmental Complexity" consistently score lower, with FAHP values slightly higher. These results show varying complexity levels across dimensions. Assessing and understanding such complexities were essential toward the completion of such megaprojects. Originality/value: The contribution of this study is on providing the empirical evidential knowledge for the priority over construction complexities in a developing country (Kuwait) in the Middle East.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | analytic hierarchy process; complexity; Delphi; fuzzy analytic hierarchy process; mega construction projects |
| Index terms: | case study, social science, project management, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, economic growth, dimension, modelling, developing country, Middle East, questionnaire, operation phase, construction project, Kuwait, methodology, megaproject, bidding, complexity |
| Subjects: | systems engineering, project management theory and practice, health monitoring assessment and metrics, project delivery, data collection methods, decision-making and optimization, research methods, theoretical framing, physical geography and landforms, economic development, development economics, Geography, production management, analytical methods, strategic project management, bidding |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Geographical Context, Sustainability, Procurement, Research Practice, International Construction |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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