Factors influencing the implementation of project risk management in the South African construction industry

Abstract

ENGLISH : Effective project risk management is crucial for successful construction projects. However, the construction industry continues to face problemsin implementing project risk management practices. This study investigates the barriers to and enablers of implementing project risk management in the South African construction industry. Semi-structured interviews of experienced industry professionals on a case study projectwere conducted to answer the research questions. The findings reveal that inadequate knowledge, communication breakdowns, financial constraints, and resistant attitudes are significant barriers to implementing project risk management. Conversely, leadership support, clear policies, and proactive engagement emerge as key enablers. A framework is proposed to address the barriers and to leverage the enablers, thus enhancing project risk management practices in the construction industry. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing actionable insights for construction organisations, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to improve project outcomes through effective risk management. AFRIKAANS : Doeltreffende projekrisikobestuur is van kardinale belang vir suksesvolle konstruksieprojekte. Die konstruksiebedryf ondervind egter steeds probleme met die implementering van projekrisikobestuurspraktyke. Hierdie studie ondersoek die hindernisse tot en fasiliteerders van die implementering van projekrisikobestuur in die Suid-Afrikaanse konstruksiebedryf. Semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met ervare bedryfsprofessionele persone oor 'n gevallestudieprojek is gevoer om die navorsingsvrae te beantwoord. Die bevindinge toon dat onvoldoende kennis, kommunikasieprobleme, finansiële beperkings en weerstandige houdings beduidende hindernisse is vir die implementering van projekrisikobestuur. Omgekeerd kom leierskapsondersteuning, duidelike beleide en proaktiewe betrokkenheid na vore as sleutelfasiliteerders. 'n Raamwerk word voorgestel om die hindernisse aan te spreek en die fasiliteerders te benut, en sodoende projekrisikobestuurspraktyke in die konstruksiebedryf te verbeter. Hierdie studie dra by tot die kennisbasis deur bruikbare insigte te verskaf vir konstruksie-organisasies, beleidmakers en belanghebbendes wat projekuitkomste deur effektiewe risikobestuur wil verbeter.