Elkbuli, M; Azmy, N and Lee, C K (2025) Enhancing project manager communication soft skills and risk management practices in Libyan oil and gas construction projects: The role of experience. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 23(3), pp. 1017-1038. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: Although there has been an increase in the application of a variety of robust technologies and systems, the oil and gas sector relies on project managers' soft skills for success because of their vital role. Therefore, this study aims to explore the profound influence of project managers' soft communication skills on successful risk management within Libya's oil and gas projects. Design/methodology/approach: A review of relevant literature and a quantitative approach through the administration of a questionnaire were used to determine factors impacting risk management implementation related to managerial communication skills. A total of 246 valid responses were received from the oil and gas companies in Tripoli, Libya. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to examine the direct and moderating relationship drawn by the hypotheses. Findings: The findings suggest that managerial soft skills may be used to improve continuous risk management processes and intra-project communication. It was found that the experience is strengthening the positive relationship between written communication soft skills and project risk management implementation among Libyan oil and gas construction projects. Originality/value: This study defines project managers' soft communication skills and analyzes project managers' soft communication skills with the role of experience as a moderator. This paper presents a valuable contribution by offering original insights tailored explicitly to the Libyan context. The information presented in this paper is relevant to project managers operating within the oil and gas industry. It also offers a novel approach to risk management in the Libyan oil and gas industry that can improve project efficiency and effectiveness.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communication skills; construction projects; Libyan oil and gas; risk management; soft skills |
| Index terms: | structural equation modelling, project communication, partial least square, Libya, methodology, construction project, strengthening, questionnaire, project risk management, efficiency, project manager, implementation, communication skill, oil and gas, effectiveness, risk management |
| Subjects: | contractual arrangements, research methods, structural engineering, financial risk, Geography, production management, risk assessment, profession, data collection methods, performance management, management, professional development, statistical analysis, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Geographical Context, Procurement, Risk Management, Organizational Design, Information Management, Research Practice, Cost Management, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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