Exploring construction risk factors in an operational airport environment: A case study of Kotoka International Airport
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Date
2021-06-15
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Abstract
Construction risks is an essential factor during execution of construction projects because it
affects the whole project delivery process predominantly production costs and execution time
of projects. Construction risks that are continuously faced by airports are due to the highly
dynamic environment exposed to these projects in an attempt to build or refurbish
infrastructure to meet the demands of the environment. Kotoka International Airport currently
stands as the only international airport in the country hence it experiences increased pressure
on its infrastructure. This study sought to explore construction risk factors in an operational
airport environment using Kotoka International Airport as case study. The study adopted a
quantitative method and a case study approach as a research strategy. Questionnaires were
used as data collection instrument to gather data from various construction companies that are
undertaking construction activities at Kotoka International Airport. From the survey it was
realized that the most occurring risks associated with construction projects in an operational
airport environment such as Kotoka International Airport from the contractors were; Tight
project schedule affected by long bureaucratic approval procedures within government
agencies, Government agency identifying excessive project cost that results in loss of interest
to fund construction project, Government restrictions on funding for certain airport
maintenance projects, high Security and safety related issues causing delay in the
construction process and affecting project cost, and changes in government funding for the
fiscal year affecting project schedule. Respondents noted that the following risk factors had
significant impact on their works which are Agricultural land owners not willing to sell land
for airport development purposes, Local community opposition to airport capital
development, Chosen airport location which does not fit with the purposed planning,
development and operation of airport facility affecting overall development process, possible
labour strike affecting construction process and land owners unwilling to sell identified land
for airport development. Mitigating strategies to these impact are key to managing risk. Risk
control, risk reduction, risk avoidance, risk sharing, risk retention, and risk transfer were
identified as mitigation strategies to these factors. The knowledge of the existence on
construction risk is not enough, contractors need to know its impact and how it is affecting
the progress of the construction works including understanding and complying to all safety
measures during execution of works at the Airport. Contractors undertaking works at Kotoka
International Airport must undertake thorough risk assessment at the early stages of the
project cycle to mitigate these risks. Furthermore, Airport managers and operators must
frequently document risk on their construction projects. This would serve as an effective and
efficient guidance document for contractors undertaking works at the Airport in the future.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award Degree of Master of Science in Construction Management.
Keywords
Construction risk, Airport construction, Risk factors