To read this content please select one of the options below:

Risk analysis of schedule delays in international highway projects in Vietnam using a structural equation model

Hong Anh Vu (School of Economics and Management, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China)
Viet Hung Cu (Faculty of Bridges and Roads, National University of Civil Engineering, Hanoi, Vietnam)
Lian Xing Min (School of Management, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China)
Jian Qiong Wang (School of Economics and Management, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China)

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

ISSN: 0969-9988

Article publication date: 20 November 2017

857

Abstract

Purpose

As in other developing countries, increased highway development in Vietnam provides enormous opportunities for international construction companies (ICCs). However, a prolonged schedule delay (SD) can have an extremely detrimental impact on a project’s efficiency, cost and investment reputation. The purpose of this paper is to identify potential SD risk factors in international highway projects (IHPs) in Vietnam, and to explore the effects of and influences on such factors. A specific risk management framework is proposed as a useful tool for ICCs.

Design/methodology/approach

A system of SD risk indicators is presented for IHPs in Vietnam through a questionnaire survey. The system comprises 50 indicators that are grouped into 12 main factors. A structural equation model (SEM) is then used to assess the influences and mechanisms of these factors. Based on the obtained results, corresponding suggestions for preventing SD risks are presented and discussed.

Findings

First, among the 12 aforementioned major factors, the authors identify eight facors that have significant effects on IHP SDs. Second, the SEM analysis reveals that policy flaws and the fiscal ability of the owner play the most important roles, on account of their direct and indirect influences on SDs.

Originality/value

Considering stakeholders and external environmental effects, a system of indicators is introduced to explore SD risks to IHPs. In particular, an SEM is used to assess the effects of potential SD factors and characterize their interacting influences. This study could help ICCs to avoid or mitigate project delays and cost overruns in Vietnam, and also provide valuable lessons for other developing countries.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express sincere appreciation to the experts for their time and for raising valuable comments during the preparation of the manuscript. The authors also acknowledge the respondents for their enthusiasm. Further appreciation is extended to the reviewers who carefully reviewed the manuscript and raised valuable comments to improve this paper.

Citation

Vu, H.A., Cu, V.H., Min, L.X. and Wang, J.Q. (2017), "Risk analysis of schedule delays in international highway projects in Vietnam using a structural equation model", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 24 No. 6, pp. 1018-1039. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-06-2016-0138

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles