The development of a sustainability risk assessment model for construction projects: a case study on the Jordanian construction industry

Al sheikh salem, Y

Abstract

The construction industry has significant environmental effects. Jordan is one of the countries in the world that is dealing with population growth, a shortage of resources, and unrestricted pollution, for this reason, the construction industry plays a significant role global climate system which in turn may have a detrimental impact on the globe if it is not modified totally in favor of the construction sustainable development. Consequently, this thesis presents research work that aims to develop a sustainability risk assessment model for construction projects, particularly in the Jordanian construction industry, based on the combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Bayesian method (BM). This model contributes to implementing the dimensions of sustainable development in the Jordanian construction industry that pertain to the economy, environment, and society dimensions. The research approach for this project is abductive through a mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) approach to data collection and analysis. The literature review conceptually reviews the risk classifications within sustainability, interpreting the relationship that exists between construction risk management and the elements of sustainable construction. The literature review was utilised to synthesise the specific objectives of construction sustainability and identify the key risk reduction aspects for the implementation of these objectives in the Jordan administration. A focus group method was employed as a primary data collection tool, with a group comprising eight experts and engineers in the construction industry who discussed sustainability-related risks. In addition, a second primary data collection took place through a questionnaire, completed by 402 different professionals and engineers from the Jordanian construction industry. Three case studies from the Jordanian construction industry were conducted, with the purpose of validating the findings and the proposed sustainability risk analysis and management model. The three cases comprised a building construction project, a road and infrastructure project, and a waste landfill project. The proposed model can play a significant role in developing the sector into a sustainable one based on the risk management assessment model and utilizing it to comprehend sustainability practices and effectively apply them. This will help the industry to make changes and improvements and it should also be the starting point, particularly, for work in this area in the Jordanian context. The main findings from this research project demonstrate that sustainable development is a dynamic concept that has evolved and will continue to evolve over time, to meet the social, environmental, and economic needs of present and future generations. Risk management has undergone a similar transformation, going from a mere one-off intervention for risk relief, to being a cross-cutting component for the achievement of truly globally sustainable development. Jordan’s construction industry cannot escape the insertion of risk management or ignore its relationship with sustainable development, not only because it is limited in renewable non-renewable resources with a constantly increasing population, but also because Jordan generates emissions that impact global warming. The developed model has proved its validity for linking sustainability-related risks in the construction industry with risk management in Jordan.

Citation

Al sheikh salem, Y. The development of a sustainability risk assessment model for construction projects: a case study on the Jordanian construction industry. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 2, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 2, 2022
• Award Date: Jun 6, 2022