Sruthilaya, D; Vilventhan, A and Gopal, P R C (2024) Analysis of project complexity factors and their interdependencies in metro rail projects. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 14(2), pp. 260-277. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the interdependence of project complexity factors (PCFs) in metro rail projects using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL). The study provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of project complexities factors and their relationships. The results of the study facilitate effective project planning, proactive risk management and informed decision-making by stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach: This study employs a case-based method for identifying PCFs and a DEMATEL method for analyzing the interdependence of complexity factors in metro rail projects. Initially, PCFs were identified through an extensive literature review. To validate and refine these factors, semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty experienced professionals, each having 5–20 years of experience in roles such as project management, engineering, and planning. Further, elevated and underground metro rail projects were purposefully selected as cases, for identifying the similarities and differences in PCFs. A questionnaire survey was conducted with various technical experts in metro rail projects. These experts rated the impact of PCFs on a five-point Likert scale, for the evaluation of the interdependence of PCFs. The DEMATEL technique was used to analyze the interdependencies of the PCFs. Findings: Metro rail projects are influenced by project complexity, which significantly impacts their performance. The analysis reveals that “design problems with existing structures,” “change in design or construction” and “land acquisition” are the key factors contributing to project complexity. Originality/value: The study of project complexity in metro rail projects is limited because most of the studies have studies on examining complexity in mega projects. The existing literature lacks adequate attention in identifying project complexity and its effects on metro rail project performance. This research aims to bridge this gap by examining project complexity and interdependencies in metro rail projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | case study; complexities; DEMATEL; megaprojects; metro rail projects |
| Index terms: | project complexity, project planning, interdependence, megaproject, project management, complexity, railway construction, quantitative analysis, questionnaire, Likert scale, risk management, decision-making, methodology, land acquisition, survey, literature review, DEMATEL method, case study, interview, laboratory |
| Subjects: | data analysis and analytics, strategic project management, real estate economics, control systems, risk assessment, data collection methods, systems engineering, organizational analysis, decision analysis, research management, organizational theory, project management theory and practice, civil engineering, research methods |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Urban Studies, Risk Management, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Research Practice |
| 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