Ain Shams Engineering Journal (Jun 2021)
Risk identification framework in construction of Egyptian mega housing projects
Abstract
Egypt's population is increasing and expected to exceed 120 million by 2050. Egypt constructed mega housing projects (M.H.P) to cater with that escalation in population. The Egyptian strategy 2030 prioritized the construction of M.H.P. Contractors’ in Egypt have struggled to manage construction risks and deliver housing projects successfully. The aim of the paper is to develop a conceptual risk identification framework to improve contractors’ risk identification practices during the construction of mega housing projects in Egypt. The objectives of the paper are to analyse risk management practices in Egyptian M.H.P and to develop a risk identification framework (CRIF). The paper reviewed the literature of identified risks in construction of mega projects. Through a constructivism paradigm, the paper adopted the interview technique and allocated contractors’ recent risk practice. Qualitative risk information is analysed using NVivo tool for qualitative analysis. The paper used the ISO 31,000 as a backdrop to design a conceptual risk identification framework (CRIF), and a computerized risk identification database (CRID) using visual basic programming. The paper further produced generic guidelines to support the use of the CRIF during construction of M.H.P. Availability of resources, poor financial status, and weak technical training were the most common risks in construction of mega projects worldwide. The paper presented a risk breakdown structure (R.B.S) that included M.H.P common opportunities and challenges in Egypt. Egypt’s main challenges in construction of M.H.P included Management of Resources, Project Management, and Cash flow issues. The CRIF guides contractors’ in Egypt to improve risk knowledge, and management. The CRID improves the management of identified risks by providing a database for future M.H.P. The guidelines support contractors’ in using the conceptual risk identification framework. The paper updates risk identification process by adding multidisciplinary risk elements including risk communication, risk knowledge, and considering the context in building frameworks. The paper enhances contractors’ capability in management and identification of risks in construction of M.H.P. The paper allowed researchers to manage challenges and opportunities in construction of mega housing project in Egypt.
