A Study on Risk Attitude and Management in Construction Projects Evidence from Elmi Olindo Contractors Private Limited Company
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Date
2019-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The Ethiopian construction industry is subject to more risk and uncertainty than many other industries. The primary purpose of this study was to analyze risk attitude and management in construction projects undertaken by Elmi Olindo Contractors Plc, a grade 1 contractor operating in Ethiopia for over 70 years. Several literatures were assessed to show the relationship of risk attitude, risk taking behavior, risks in the Ethiopian construction industry, risk management systems and processes. Consequently, the research questions were aimed at identifying the risk attitude and perception among project managers and project management team in construction projects undertaken by Elmi, and also identifying the risk management systems, practices and processes implemented both at a project level as well as at a company level. A survey strategy was employed that allowed the collection of quantitative and qualitative data that was analyzed in order to meet the research objectives. A census was undertaken to determine the target population that consisted of 36 project managers and project management team members that had decision making roles in the 15 construction projects undertaken by Elmi at the time of the study. A response rate of 91.67% was achieved and was found to be acceptable. The research findings showed that there is a predominant negative perception of risk among the project managers and project management team members of Elmi Olindo Contractors Plc. Most of them view themselves as individuals that take calculated risks. While undertaking construction operations in their view the company faces technical risks, management related risks, socio-political risks, financial risks and environmental risks. Elmi doesnât have a risk management guideline, standard, auditing mechanism and has rarely organized trainings and workshops on risk management planning, implementation and monitoring in order to improve the knowledge and awareness of the decision makers (i.e. project manager and the project management team members) that at the moment are forced to rely only on their experience and eventual academic courses taken. Further research can be undertaken to assess the risk attitude and perception of different stakeholders involved in the construction sector as well as their risk management strategies, systems and practices.
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risk management strategies, Ethiopian construction industry, contractor operating