Strategies for improving project
Strategies for improving project
https://www.emerald.com/insight/0969-9988.htm
Engineering,
Strategies for improving project Construction and
Architectural
risk management via Management
Abstract
Purpose – Project information is widely and thoroughly exchanged within construction projects. However, the
risk management process exhibits deficiencies in coordination and visibility, particularly in developing countries.
Practitioners in developing countries often engage in Project Risk Management (PRiM) using practices that
inadvertently hinder project success, frequently resulting in suboptimal outcomes. Therefore, this research explores
practices within Project Integration Management (PIM) and Project Communication Management (PCmM) that
could enhance PRiM and improve managerial proficiency to achieve project success in developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach – The PIM, PCmM and PRiM processes were explored from the literature;
the data was gathered initially by close-ended interviews conducted with a panel of twelve experts followed by
a well-structured questionnaire. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed via AMOS to analyze the
data and construct a model representing the intricate relationships between the processes. Additionally, the
validity and reliability of the method were inspected.
Findings – The data analysis confirmed that PIM and PCmM were correlated according to contractors and
consultants in the Jordanian construction industry. Furthermore, both have a positive influence on the PRiM.
In addition, a 13-step process was developed to apply extra processes and practices to ensure better
implementation of the PRiM in developing countries.
Originality/value – The literature highlights that integration and communication management influence
project performance. However, there is a lack of research utilizing practices from these knowledge areas to achieve
better project risk management implementation. This research highlights two of the most underrated knowledge
areas in project management. Therefore, a framework was devised, comprising processes that practitioners should
take into account during the planning phase leading to efficient PRiM to enhance their managerial proficiency.
Keywords Knowledge management, Construction planning, Project integration management,
Project communication management, Project risk management
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
The United Nations still regards Jordan as a developing country (WorldData.info, 2024). This Engineering, Construction and
Architectural Management
suggests that the quality of the products or services that Jordan offers is not as high as in a © Emerald Publishing Limited
0969-9988
developed country, and one of the reasons for that is a shortage of specialists in each specific DOI 10.1108/ECAM-05-2024-0536
ECAM industry, especially the construction industry (Hatamleh et al., 2018; The World Bank in
Jordan, 2024). To address some of the difficulties in the developing country, a need to explore
practices that can improve the project management process has arisen and the practitioners
of that country should apply it to enhance project outcomes.
Although the construction industry plays a key role in developing countries, It does not
fully meet the expectations and demands set by governments, customers, and society
(Sayyed et al., 2021). According to Nawaz et al. (2021), the most critical issue the project
managers face in developing countries is faulty planning. Recent research suggests that in
developing countries project risk management has extra challenges and a lack of
coordination and perceptibility (Power, 2004; Enshassi et al., 2013; Kumara, 2017;
Hiyassat et al., 2022; Hatamleh et al., 2023). Hence, construction projects usually evolve in
a dynamic environment instead of a static one, implying that the Project Risk Management
(PRiM) is also progressing in the same environment, making the project risks harder to
predict and control (Demirkesen and Ozorhon, 2017; Wu et al., 2017; Hatamleh et al., 2018;
Sayyed et al., 2021). Furthermore, Project Communication Management (PCmM) and Project
Integration Management (PIM) processes are some of the main sources of many risks
connected with construction projects, which suggests a lack of use of these processes for
effective planning in the construction industry (Hiyassat et al., 2022; Ekai, 2023; Hatamleh
et al., 2023; Abu Kwaik et al., 2023). Therefore, enhancing project management proficiency by
improving the used project risk management process would lead to more successful projects
(Hatamleh et al., 2023).
Effective communication is essential for any project that involves humans. Hence, project
information is extensively and comprehensively shared in the construction industry; the
average project managers devote almost 90% of their time to communicating project
information with project participants (Taleb et al., 2017). On the other hand, integration
management is vital in the construction industry; effective project management commences
by integrating processes and people within a construction project (Project Management
Institute (PMI), 2021). Project integration warrants the proper coordination among project
activities while mitigating the associated risks. Hence, previous research documented that
effective communication and integration management demonstrate a critical role in project
management that leads to project success (Demirkesen and Ozorhon, 2017). This research
explores the practices that would provide practitioners in developing countries with an
arsenal that can help achieve a proper risk management plan for a construction project.
Using PIM and PCmM well-researched practices can help improve the project planning
process in general and PRiM in specific. To further explain, PIM and PCmM have processes
that involve managing the communication and integration of various aspects of a project,
such as scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, and risks to ensure project success (Javed
et al., 2015; Javed and Liu, 2017). This research examines how these practices can improve the
PRiM process, particularly, in developing countries.
This study aims to construct a framework that can help practitioners improve the PRiM
process by examining the existing practices within the PIM and PCmM that can be
implemented in developing countries to improve PRiM and enhance project management
proficiency. Hence, the aim of the study can be realized by achieving the following objectives:
(1) Explore the practices and processes used in implementing a successful PCmM in the
developing countries;
(2) Explore the practices and processes used in implementing a successful PIM in the
developing countries;
(3) Explore the practices and processes used in implementing PRiM in the developing
countries
(4) Examine the interrelationship between PIM and PCmM, and assess the impact of Engineering,
combining practices from both areas to the PRiM implementation. Construction and
Architectural
This research was structured into the following sections: Introduction; Literature Review, Management
Methodology, Data Analysis and Discussion; Conclusion; Limitation and Future Research;
and finally References section.
2. Literature review
At first glance, Project Management practices, processes, and methods seem universally
applicable to construction projects. However, the lack of a systematic approach and
standardized processes are key factors influencing improper risk management techniques
(Sadeh et al., 2021). Hence, due to the distinctiveness of each project and the specific
challenges posed by different regions, adjustments to these practices become necessary
(PMI, 2021). To tackle these practices, PMI introduced knowledge areas, practices, and
process groups that practitioners shall utilize to enhance their project management process.
Several practices exist and are documented to facilitate the project risk management
process. However, these practices usually do not take into account either a comprehensive set
of the unique characteristics of a project and its surrounding environment or the attitude of
an organization toward risk (Cagliano et al., 2015). The management of risk is greatly
influenced by the uniqueness of the construction industry in a specific country and trying to
eliminate all risks in construction projects is impossible. Therefore, a formal more specific
risk management process to manage all types of risks is needed (El-Sayegh, 2008; Hiyassat
et al., 2022).
The risk management process can be implemented by performing the following
processes: Plan Risk Management, Identify Risks, Perform Risk Analysis (Both Quantitative
and Qualitative Analysis), Plan Risk Response, and Monitor and Control Risks (PMI, 2021).
Also, the risk management framework of ISO 3100–2009 is based on five main components:
establishment of context, risk assessment, risk treatment, communication and consultation,
and monitoring and review (Abuyassin et al., 2018). However, Nawaz et al. (2019), argued that
there is no core system of risk management in the construction industries of developing
countries even though the industry is an extremely risk-seeking industry lacking a good
reputation for handling risk (specifically in Pakistan as one of the developing countries).
Lately, risk management has gradually been considered more important in developing
countries as a result of increased competition and construction activities (Nawaz et al., 2019).
Hosseini et al. (2016) explored the perspectives of construction professionals regarding the
critical success factors for implementing Project Risk Management (PRiM) in developing
countries. Their findings highlighted a divergence among practitioners in these countries
regarding the perceived importance of success factors for efficient PRiM implementation.
Hence, the most critical factors were: support from managers, the inclusion of risk
management in construction education and training courses for construction practitioners,
attempting to deliver projects systematically, and awareness and knowledge of the process
for implementing risk management.
In addition to developing countries, the construction industry in China is characterized by
its distinct economics, government structure, cultural context, and political environment.
Consequently, the risk factors in the Chinese construction industry appear to differ from
those in other countries which should influence the current practices in implementing project
risk management (Wu et al., 2017). Successfully achieving project objectives requires
leveraging practices from project management to facilitate adapting them to the specific
regional context of project management implementation. Hence, one consistent theme
emerged from different countries: “knowledge management” which plays a pivotal role in
ECAM successfully implementing the risk management process. Therefore, construction
practitioners should advocate actively promoting effective knowledge management as a
foundational step toward achieving robust risk management practices on construction
projects, especially in developing countries and where needed (Hosseini et al., 2016).
Project Integration Management and Project Communication Management are two
important aspects of project management (PMI, 2021). Project Integration Management
encompasses the processes and activities aimed at identifying, defining, combining,
unifying, and coordinating the various processes and project management activities within
the Project Management Process Group. On the other hand, project communication
management involves sharing information and coordinating activities between
stakeholders. Hence, by effectively managing these two knowledge areas, project risk
management could be improved which can be reflected in the overall performance of a
construction project (Ndlela, 2019).
For the sake of this study, the following knowledge areas were explored: Project
Integration Management (PIM); Project Communication Management (PCmM); and Project
Risk Management (PRiM). Moreover, various researchers have outlined the processes that
should be addressed within each knowledge area. These processes are extracted from the
PMBOK along with existing literature while incorporating adjustments to account for
project complexity, stakeholder challenges, and the unique geographic and cultural contexts
of individual projects (Yimam, 2011; Malik et al., 2018; Hatamleh et al., 2020; PMI, 2021;
Hatamleh et al., 2018).
To align the communication approach and integrate communications with overall project
management a series of practices are established in the literature to set project
communication goals and define the communications strategy for the project (Greenberg
et al., 2011). During the risk assessment process, project management gains valuable insights
into potential project risks, devises strategies to mitigate risks, and establishes protocols for
effective communication regarding these risks (Greenberg et al., 2011; PMI, 2021). Moreover,
a common approach to construction risk management is to evaluate the risks in terms of
probability. As the number of risk elements increases and project complexity grows, the
workload and assessment difficulty will escalate exponentially. Consequently, the need for
diverse approaches becomes essential (Ji et al., 2022).
The engineering and technical requirements for processes, procedures, and methods are
defined by technical standards specific to each region. These standards play a crucial role in
acquiring the knowledge necessary for achieving project success. These standards can be
noticeably different considering the regional perspective and correspond to the local
environmental, technical, legal, cultural, and beneficial features (Lei et al., 2017). Integrating
the project plan while communicating these standards throughout the project planning,
especially, during project risk management plan development can make a huge difference in
identifying and mitigating some risks. Hence, the literature section offers valuable insights
into understanding and enhancing the implementation of project risk management in
developing countries through an exploration of PCmM and PIM and their associated
practices.
3. Methodology
This section presents the research design involving both Qualitative and Quantitative
methods to overcome the limitation of the single design (Nawaz et al., 2020). In this study, the
collected practices and processes required for the effective implementation of PIM, PCmM,
and PRiM were drawn from the literature. These practices and processes then underwent two
rounds of close-ended interviews with a panel of experts (Qualitative method). The insights
gleaned from these interviews informed the creation of a well-structured questionnaire
(Quantitative method), as depicted in Figure 1. Subsequently, the collected data was
meticulously analyzed to achieve the research objectives.
During the first round of interviews, participants discussed the application of various
practices and processes across the three knowledge areas. The goal was to ascertain
consistency and identify practices and processes suitable for the construction industry in
developing countries. The interviews encompassed all practices from Table 1. Subsequently,
experts reached a consensus: PIM could be effectively implemented by emphasizing 6
practices and processes, PCmM yielded 6, and PRiM involved 14.
Identify the problem
Engineering,
Construction and
Architectural
Establish the research objectives Management
Literature Review
Conduct the 1st round of interviews Conduct the 2nd round of interviews
Identify the population and the sample size Distribution of the Questionnaire
Interviews were conducted with twelve experts across two rounds. The number of experts
participating in both rounds was determined by their willingness to engage. There was a one-
week gap between the rounds, allowing sufficient time for data analysis from the first round
and facilitating the second round. Although invitations were sent to 20 experts, only 12
expressed interest in participating in both interview rounds. Frequencies and percentages
are shown in Table 2 to describe the profile information of the experts.
The second round of interviews served two primary purposes: first, to validate initial
impressions and second, to explore the practices and processes and eliminate any
misunderstanding and inconsistency in preparing for the questionnaire design. During this
round, experts assess any changes in their initial opinions and determine the most effective
way to describe the practices and processes identified in the first round. This process was
instrumental in developing the questionnaire so it will remain relevant over time for the
developing countries’ construction industry.
As a result of the interview, PIM had 6 processes, four processes were rewritten and two
were kept as they were (resulting in 6 practices and processes to describe the PIM). PCmM
had 6 processes; five were merged to get two processes, and one was rewritten (resulting in 3
practices and processes to describe the PCmM). Finally, PRiM had 14 processes, eight of the
processes were merged to get three processes and five processes were rewritten (resulting in
8 practices and processes to describe the PRiM). Hence, these practices and processes are the
ones that were carried out to the questionnaire (check Appendix 1). The interview resulted in
the following practices and process as shown in Tables 3 and 4.
During the questionnaire, participants had to choose an answer on a 5-point Likert scale to
enable the analysis part of this study (Awang et al., 2016). The questionnaire consisted of 4
ECAM Percent
Respondents’ information Frequency (%)
Project 5 7 6 7 6 6
Integration
Management
Project 4 16 3 3 6 3
Table 3.
Number of the Communication
practices and Management
processes within each Project Risk 5 18 6 7 14 8
knowledge area for this Management
research Source(s): Author’s own work
sections: first, the demographic description; second, the practices associated with the PIM;
third, the practices associated with PCmM, and fourth, the practices associated with PRiM.
The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the
corresponding author. Also, the data are not publicly available due to restrictions where they
contain information that could compromise the privacy of participants. An IRB approval
number 20–11–408 was obtained from the University of Alabama’s Institutional
Review Board.
For this research, the population included all civil engineers employed in the Jordanian
construction industry. Given that risk management within the Jordanian construction sector
is a specialized civil engineering responsibility, the study targets this professional group.
According to the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) data for 2022, there are currently 34,753
registered civil engineers actively working within the Kingdom. The relative sample size
required for the study was determined using established Sample Size Determination Tables
Engineering,
PIM PIM final processes Construction and
PIM1 1. Provides support for the project charter development
PIM2 2. Provides Project Management training for each management team
Architectural
PIM3 3. Uses value engineering in developing the project plan and scope (an executing process that has Management
the potential to lower the cost and shorten the duration)
PIM4 4. Assure your organization’s project managers have a solid knowledge base of Project
Management
PIM5 5. Performs integrated change control; changes are approved in writing but executed in the project
information system
PIM6 6. Perform project closure procedures of the Project Management plan
PCmM PCmM final processes
PCmM1 1. Performs project communication management, and has a plan to identify communication needs
PCmM2 2. Performs project communication requirement analysis
PCmM3 3. There is an effort to perform a standard process to track and manage project issues and progress
reports
PRiM PRiM final processes
PRiM1 1. Performs risk management formally in the projects as an organization
PRiM2 2. There is an effort to identify and document risks using the risk breakdown structure and
checklist analysis
PRiM3 3. Prioritizes the risks based on specific criteria and evaluates and quantifies each identified risk in
the project
PRiM4 4. Develop a risk response strategy for the prioritized risks
PRiM5 5. Continuously update the risk response strategy with the project’s progress
PRiM6 6. Performs risk control and uses the risk register for monitoring
PRiM7 7. Examine and document the effectiveness of the risk response strategy and the risk management Table 4.
process PIM, PCmM, and PRiM
PRiM8 8. Performs hazard analysis for activities on the projects final practices/
Source(s): Author’s own work processes
commonly referenced by scholars in the literature such as: Israel (1992), Bartlett et al. (2001),
Singh and Masuku (2014), Hatamleh et al. (2018), Hiyassat et al. (2022) as the following: For an
alpha of 0.05 with t 5 1.96 and variability of 0.5 (p 5 0.5) using a precision of ±10% and a
population size of more than 20,000 the returned sample size needed is approximately 100.
For this research, a number of 210 questionnaires were distributed using Google Forms
link via emails, LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp. A sample of 140 responses were
submitted and a final sample of 122 responses were used for the data analysis after omitting
the ones that had empty cells or the answers were all 1 or 5 for all of the questionnaire
questions.
The demographic description of the questionnaire participants was summarized in
Figure 2 where they were asked about their Type of participation in construction project
implementation; their current position; the type of projects that they worked on; and their
working experience in the Jordanian construction industry.
Figure 2.
Demographic
description of the
questionnaire
(Minitab LLC, 2021). Table 5 shows that the p-values, which are all greater than 0.05, suggest
that there is agreement between the contractors’ and consultants’ responses within the
Jordanian construction industry.
Furthermore, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the obtained data
from the questionnaire and to construct the study model as shown in Figure 3. SEM is a
powerful tool that can be viewed as a mix of factor analysis, regression analysis, and path
analysis (Hox and Bechger, 1998; Bowen and Guo, 2011; Awang et al., 2016).
Path analysis within Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) serves two main purposes:
first, it estimates the path coefficients (often denoted as β) for the model; second, it assesses
the overall model fit. The overarching objective of path analysis, and SEM in general, is to
evaluate how well the model represents a set of specified relationships, both causal and
non-causal, among variables, while also interpreting the observed associations among these
variables. The observed relationships are usually covariance, summarized in the sample
covariance matrix (Savalei and Bentler, 2010; Awang et al., 2016).
Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was utilized to establish a model for a set of processes.
This model aims to best represent the observed variables under maximum likelihood
conditions, using the principal components analysis method. The goal is to identify latent
factors that account for both the variance and error variance in a correlation matrix (Laher,
2010). By applying factor analysis techniques, the processes were reorganized to achieve a
Figure 3.
Flow chart for
constructing the
research model
well-fitting model for the study. Also, having a full-factor model allows the strength of the
relationship between the latent variables (PRiM) and the observed variables (PIM and
PCmM) to vary with different loading.
The EFA technique was used to identify and regroup the factors to achieve a good fit for
the study model as shown in Table 6. The load values for each variable were represented in
the pattern matrix. According to the literature for newly developed items, the factor loading
for every item should exceed 0.5 and for established items, the factor loading for every item
should be 0.6 or higher (Awang et al., 2016).
Moss (2016) advocates that all items in a factor model should have commonalities of over
0.60 or an average communality of 0.7 to justify performing a factor analysis with small
sample sizes. For this study, a cut-off of 0.6 was followed. As a result, the variables in the
model were regrouped and some indicators were eliminated to enhance the model’s goodness
of fit (the rotation converged in 14 iterations).
The EFA resulted in having four groups of variables: PRiM with 8 practices/processes,
PIM with 3 practices/processes, PCmM with 2 practices/processes, and a new variable named
PIM# with 1 practice. In addition, to test the reliability of the measures used in the study, a
Cronbach’s alpha test was used. Hair et al. (2010) suggested that the minimum acceptable
level of Cronbach’s alpha should be greater than or equal to 0.70 for each group. Also, Taber
(2018) recommends a 0.7 value for each group and greater than 0.80 for the overall alpha
value. The Cronbach’s alpha value for the PRiM group (with 8 items) was 0.728, and for the
three variables: PIM, PCmM, and PIM# (with 6 items) was 0.845, and an overall value for the
2 groups of 0.810. Therefore, all indicators have values of more than 0.70 individually and an
overall greater than 0.80 which suggests the reliability of the study instruments indicating a
satisfactory level of internal consistency (Taber, 2018).
ECAM Pattern matrix
Component
1 2 3 4
PRiM4 1.03
PRiM5 1.00 �0.13
PRiM8 0.94 0.11
PRiM3 0.93 0.17
PRiM6 0.92 �0.12
PRiM2 0.87 0.16 �0.11
PRiM7 0.81 0.15
PRiM1 0.68 0.17
PIM5 0.59 �0.26 0.18
PIM3 0.37 0.10 0.30
PIM1 0.87 0.11 �0.12
PIM2 0.33 0.81
PIM4 0.72
PIM6 0.61
PCmM3 0.28 �0.19 0.75
PCmM1 0.28 0.10 0.70
PCmM2 0.33 �0.25 0.23 0.43
Note(s): Extraction method: principal component analysis. Rotation method: Promax with Kaiser
Table 6. normalization
Pattern matrix Source(s): Author’s own work
The primary method for determining discriminant validity within the EFA is that the
variables should load significantly only on one factor (no cross-loading). Therefore, Table 6
suggests that the data are valid since there is no cross-loading in the pattern matrix
(Thompson, 2004; Awang et al., 2016),
Additionally, structural equation modeling begins by assessing the model’s acceptability
based on fit indices (Moss, 2016). These indices can be summarized using the following
criteria:
(1) Discrepancy functions, including the chi-square test and the relative chi-square, play
a crucial role in assessing model fit. In AMOS, the chi-square value is denoted as
CMIN. Additionally, this index is less influenced by sample size variations.
Researchers’ acceptance criteria for model fit range from values less than 2 to less
than 5 (Moss, 2016; Shi et al., 2019).
(2) Tests that compare the target and null models, such as the comparative fit index (CFI)
also known as the Bentler Comparative Fit Index. The CFI represents the extent to
which the model of interest is better than the independence model; values that
approach 1 indicate an acceptable fit to a value of 0.90 (Shi et al., 2019).
(3) Root mean square residual, such as the root mean square error of approximation
(RMSEA). RMSEA represents the square root of the average or means of the
covariance residuals. Hence, zero represents a perfect fit and the maximum is
unlimited (Moss, 2016).
In modeling, it is crucial to comprehend the characteristics of each variable. Additionally,
covariance, which quantifies how two variables change together when there is a correlation
(represented by a two-way arrow in the model), is introduced to improve the model’s
goodness of fit (Moss, 2016; Shi et al., 2019).
Figure 4 and Table 7 display the standardized estimates and the p-values for the Engineering,
relationships between variables, based on the regression weights along each path. For this Construction and
study, Figure 4 was treated as the final model after 3 iterations. In detail, the influence path Architectural
between the latent and observed variables along with introducing errors to the measurement Management
instrument (processes and practices for each variable) was used as the mechanism of the
model design that was reflected in the number of iterations needed to construct the model.
The first iteration included using the outcome of the pattern matrix (Table 6) as the initial
model with no errors (the goodness of fit of the model needed to be improved). Therefore, in the
second iteration, measurement errors e1 through e13 were introduced to each item along with r1
which is a measurement error for the latent variable PRiM; adding these measurement errors
enhanced the goodness of fit for the model but it was not sufficient to accept the model. Finally, the
third iteration was conducted by adding the correlation paths between the observable variables
(PIM, PCmM, and PIM#) which enhanced the final goodness of fit for the proposed model.
As mentioned earlier in this section, this model’s goodness of fit test result should be
compared with specific fit indices to accept the proposed model (Moss, 2016). After the third
iteration, the fit indices for the proposed model were: 2.56 for CMIN, 0.914 for CFI, and finally
RMSEA of 0.114. Certainly, the model fit can be improved but it would necessitate the
Figure 4.
Final model for this
study via AMOS
ECAM removal of certain observed variables that currently exhibit significant relationships within
the model. However, since the model fit indices are within the acceptable thresholds based on
the literature, Figure 4 represents the final model that the discussion and conclusion for this
research were based on.
Table 7 suggests that the variables (PIM and PCmM) have a significant relationship with
project risk management (PRiM) with estimated regression weight values of 0.389 and 0.749
respectively and accepting the relationship in the path. However, Variable PIM# has no
significant relationship with the direct path toward project risk management with an
estimated regression weight value of 0.161.
The study results validate that PIM significantly impacts the successful implementation
of PRiM. This positive relationship is evident in Table 7 as a result of the path analysis.
Previous research has explored the beneficial effects of adopting PRiM practices as it is on
project success (Smith et al., 2014; Urban �sk et al., 2019; PMI, 2021). Moreover, PIM has
consistently positively influenced project success, as demonstrated by studies conducted by
Berteaux and Javernick-Will (2015), Demirkesen and Ozorhon (2017), Yan et al. (2021), and
Ekai (2023). Therefore, practitioners who incorporate project integration management
practices can enhance project performance and achieve project objectives through improved
risk management processes.
In addition, Table 8 shows that all values have a positive regression weight which
suggests positive relationships between all the variables in the study. Group PIM# has only
one practice within it (which affected the goodness of fit for the model). This study
emphasizes that the Jordanian construction industry has not fully harnessed the capabilities
of project integration management in implementing project risk management processes.
This is evident from the weak to negligible relationship observed between PIM# and PRiM.
PIM# comprises a single indicator, specifically PIM1 (Provides support for the project
charter development). Notably, PIM1 was treated as its own observed variable based on the
results from the factor analysis process within the structural equation modeling (SEM)
procedure.
5. Conclusion
The construction industry today continues to be unique, specialized, and complex. The
issues that arise from project conformance in line with the project risk management
processes should be armed with new approaches and a better understanding of the various
practices and processes within the overall project management planning. Certainly,
enhancing the comprehension of the interrelationships and correlations among these
practices could significantly boost project management competencies, ultimately resulting in
more successful project outcomes.
Risk Management should be perceived as a positive and creative process within the
project team. It serves to establish realistic expectations and enhance project control. In this
Figure 5.
Performs hazard analysis for activities
Conceptual framework
on the projects
for the development of
the project risk
management plan
Source(s): Authors’ own work
research, 12 experts participated in two rounds of interviews to evaluate the practices and
processes required for implementing PIM, PCmM, and PRiM. Subsequently, the insights
gathered from these interviews informed the creation of a structured questionnaire.
The questionnaire was then distributed to 210 civil engineers currently working in Jordan.
The response rate was 66.7%, resulting in 140 responses. However, due to biases and
incomplete responses, 122 of these were ultimately used to derive the study’s findings.
In this study, the importance of two often overlooked knowledge areas in the construction
industry: Project Integration Management (PIM) and Project Communication Management
(PCmM) were explored and emphasized to generate 13 steps that positively impact the
project risk management process. Furthermore, their impact on project risk management,
specifically in Jordan, holds far-reaching implications for other developing countries and can
lead to better implementation of the risk management plan. This study provides a pathway
for Jordanian policymakers to embrace the suggested 13 steps. These steps aim to enhance
control, allow monitoring of risk management implementation, and regulate construction
work effectively, ultimately contributing to project success.
The data analysis revealed that these areas (PIM and PCmM) are positively correlated, as
perceived by both contractors and consultants in the construction industry in Jordan.
In addition, the empirical findings in this study provide an understanding that communication
continues to significantly affect all aspects of project integration management, specifically, the
practice of providing support for the project charter development which plays a crucial role in
the PIM. However, the model in this study indicates that in developing countries, practitioners
tend to underestimate its impact on Project Risk Management (PRiM).
Finally, the framework proposed in this study enables organizations to leverage Project
Integration Management (PIM) and Project Communication Management (PCmM) to
ECAM enhance Project Risk Management (PRiM). By doing so, organizations can elevate their
project management proficiency, ultimately achieving more successful project outcomes.
Furthermore, professionals can draw insights from this study, envisioning specific practices
and processes that contribute to efficient project risk management, both in developing
countries and worldwide.
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Appendix
Dear Mr., Mrs., or Miss.
The following questionnaire was created to collect information as part of a research study aiming to
construct a framework that can help practitioners improve the Project Risk Management (PRiM)
process by examining the existing practices within the Project Integration Management (PIM) and
Project Communication Management (PCmM) that can be implemented in developing countries to
strengthen PRiM and enhance project management proficiency.
Your participation in completing this questionnaire would be highly appreciated. There are two
sections in this questionnaire: Section A has four questions, and Section B has one major question. The
questionnaire does not take more than 7–12 min.
The information provided will be used for research purposes and will be kept strictly confidential Engineering,
between the researcher and the university. None of the information will be misused and all information Construction and
will be kept confidential. Thank you for considering the participation in this research project. In return, I Architectural
will share with you a summary of the results of all questionnaires returned and if you are interested, a Management
copy of the entire research document. Also, feel free to forward this questionnaire to those in your
organization who have the needed knowledge and willingness to participate in this study.
Thanks,
Muhammad T Hatamleh.
Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering.
Construction Engineering and Management.
Department of Civil, The University of Jordan.
Email: [email protected].
Corresponding author
Muhammad T. Hatamleh can be contacted at: [email protected]
For instructions on how to order reprints of this article, please visit our website:
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