Quantifying the predictability and preventability of conflicts between construction project parties
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 8 February 2022
Issue publication date: 24 May 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Although several studies have aimed to present models to predict conflict outcomes, fewer methods have been developed to analyze conflict manageability and provide management strategies based on prediction models. This research pitches into the manageability analysis of conflicts occur during the implementation of a proposed change in construction projects. In this way, a framework has been developed by defining two parameters: the predictability index and the preventability index.
Design/methodology/approach
Within this framework, the predictability index determines how many outcomes of the prediction model can be used for conflict management based on the degree of clarity. The preventability index demonstrates how preventive measures for conflict management can be identified. Eventually, three preventive measures can be determined: (1) identifying weaknesses of decision-making patterns and organizational culture, (2) identifying events that may be prevented using soft skills and (3) identifying differences among similar change-implementation scenarios and evaluating causes of the differences. To demonstrate the capabilities of proposed framework, a practical example has been analyzed.
Findings
The results show that the behavior of the project parties can be psychologically analyzed, and psychological conflicts can be distinguished from technical conflicts. Moreover, identifying the weaknesses of parties' decision-making patterns and their organizational culture is the most effective measure to prevent the conflicts.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the construction body of knowledge by quantifying the predictability and preventability of conflicts between the project parties in a construction project based on: (1) the certainty level of the conflict occurrence and (2) the level of alignment between predicted outcomes of the conflict occurrence and the issued change request and/or change order.
Keywords
Citation
Charkhakan, M.H. and Heravi, G. (2023), "Quantifying the predictability and preventability of conflicts between construction project parties", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 30 No. 5, pp. 1932-1950. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2019-0651
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited