Malla, V and Delhi, V S K (2022) Determining interconnectedness of barriers to interface management in large construction projects. Construction Economics and Building, 22(2), pp. 69-101. ISSN 2204-9029
Abstract
This study aims to identify the crucial barriers to interface management and understand the interdependencies in Large Infrastructure Construction Projects (LICP). Three-pronged sequential explanatory mixed methods research is adopted comprising a structured survey of experts (n=102) and semi-structured interviews (n=13). Subsequently, interpretive structural modelling (ISM) integrated with fuzzy protocol is used to analyse pairwise interrelationships among these factors. A 'Multi-layered IM barrier' model is developed with 'Process related issues,' 'Misaligned incentives among project stakeholders' and 'Frequent Change Orders' as the manifested barriers. On the other hand, this study also prioritized the barriers and classified them as driving, linking, and independent. The outcome of this study presents the interdependence of barriers and classification of barriers, focusing on proactive action on driving barriers, which is crucial to the knowledge of interface management. The impact position of LICP with the identified project issues can be compared against 'Multi-layered IM barriers' and can help project teams better strategize IM by focusing on essential barriers. In addition, such exercises can improve the coordination among participants in construction projects. Using a structured approach to identifying interdependencies among barriers to IM is a significant original contribution by the study.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | interface management; interface issues; interpretive structural modelling; large infrastructure construction projects; project management |
| Index terms: | change order, large construction project, interface management, interpretive structural modelling, coordination, mixed method, project stakeholder, interview, project management, interface issue, interdependence, exercise, survey, infrastructure construction, project team, construction project |
| Subjects: | project management theory and practice, systems engineering, organizational theory, business, civil engineering, production management, management, sociology, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods, project delivery, contractual condition, health behaviours and lifestyles, organizational analysis |
| Topics: | Stakeholder Management, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Project Management, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Health and Safety, Contract Administration |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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