Network Analysis Approach for Optimal Project Execution in Engineering Industry - Research Paper

Introduction

The study's significance is in project planning for future development projects specifically in the Engineering industry with the intention of delivering a flawless approach to coordinating interdependent functions on the site of a project. In that regard, the complexities that are involved in the execution of various projects present a formidable challenge in successful project execution. With this in mind, the current research aims at utilizing network analysis approach to identify relations and interdependencies among stakeholders on a Civil Engineering project to uncover challenges and problems that arise as a consequence of such interdependencies. The findings of the study are significant since project managers will be armed with information that will aid in improving the cohesiveness of interdependencies on a network to enhance performance. As such, future project managers in the Civil Engineering sector can execute their projects flawlessly through proper planning by understanding how relations influence cohesiveness in an interconnected web of stakeholders responsible for various roles in the project's execution network.

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Relevant Background Literature

The literature in the area of Civil Engineering as pertains to network analysis presents ramifications for the effective management of complex projects. Chinowsky, Diekmann, and Galotti (2008) advance that the process of handling mega projects has focussed more management of technical components of projects such as tasks and resources. But more focus should also be placed on the ability of the participants to develop high impact teams that enhance performance and project outcomes. Pryke (2012), observes that research into mega projects interdependence of participants in projects acknowledges lack of a theoretical model for evaluating governability and its impact of performance outcomes. Further, little research has been conducted that explains the impact of power relations in the network of stakeholders tasked with oversight and execution responsibilities in mega projects (Siva & London, 2011).

According to Lin (2015), teamwork is imperative for facilitating construction projects success. More so is teamwork relevant for Civil Engineering mega-projects that require coordination effort to adequately execute? The complexity of construction projects, therefore, will depend on the development of a network among stakeholders that will serve to adequately enhance the performance of individual members of the mega-project (Caldas & Gupta, 2017). At the core, social network analysis of mega projects has the implication of developing knowledge as to how effective partners can coordinate for the purpose of enhancing performance outcomes (Lu, Li, Pang, & Zhang, 2015).

Research Questions

• What are the factors of a mega project that make the project complex?
• How does the impact of these factors affect the performance and completion rate of mega projects?
• Are there strategies for the management of interdependencies among stakeholders that can lead to successful project completion?

Research Methodology

Nowell, Norris, and White (2017) discuss that research methods are the processes through which the researcher procedurally gets answers to the research questions that serve to support or disprove a research topic. For this research, a qualitative research approach was selected for its advantage over quantitative research methods as pertains to its ability to probe the phenomenon beyond statistical attributes of interpretation. In other words, qualitative research allows the researcher to enhance research outcomes by evaluating aesthetic attributes that explain complex relationships. Due to the complex nature of Civil Engineering projects and the interdependencies associated with stakeholder networks in the project execution process, it was imperative to settle on qualitative research methods as the most appropriate data collection method.

A qualitative case study method suits the current research where observation and interviews will form the primary tools of data collection. To this end, the researcher will observe a construction project over a period of six months while it is under development. During this time, the researcher organized meetings with stakeholders tasked with management and execution of responsibilities and mandates in the project. Finally, an overall evaluation of the effectiveness of interconnected functions through a thorough analysis of networks that manifest was done to find out the efficacy of the Civil Engineering mega-project as a whole. In the end, the researcher will apply thematic analysis to develop an understanding of the overall impact of complex project factors as affected by the interconnectedness of stakeholders. According to Nowell et al. (2017), thematic analysis proves critical in qualitative research as it does not tie the researcher down to predetermined notions of findings. Instead, the researcher is free to manipulate findings into themes as appropriate in responding to research questions.

Resources Required for the Research

Financial Resources

The researcher will require financial resources for facilitating various aspects of the study that include; paying research assistants who will be tasked with collecting data on behalf of the researcher for a period of six months when the study will be conducted. Buying research material such as tape recorders for conducting interviews and video cameras for recording observations made in the field during the research project data collection processes. In addition, money for hiring a data analysis specialist and buying the NVIVO software that will be utilized in the data analysis process. The researcher budgets for $1000 to cater for all these expenses.

Time

The study will be done over a period of six months.

Qualitative Data Analysis Software NVIVO

As earlier mentioned, the NVIVO software will be key in thematic data analysis of the research findings.

References

Caldas, C., & Gupta, A. (2017). Critical factors impacting the performance of mega-projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 24(6), 920-934. doi:10.1108/ECAM-05-2016-0117

Chinowsky, P., Diekmann, J., & Galotti, V. (2008). Social network model of construction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 134(10), 804-812. Retrieved from http://ceae.colorado.edu/~diekmann/paul_victor_diek_%20social_%20networks.pdf

Lin, S.-C. (2015). An analysis for construction engineering networks. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 141(5), 1-13. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000956

Lu, Y., Li, Y., Pang, D., & Zhang, Y. (2015). Organizational network evolution and governance strategies in megaprojects. Construction Economics and Buildings, 15(3), 19-33. doi:10.5130/AJCEB.v15i3.4609

Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., & White, D. E. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 1-13. doi:10.1177/1609406917733847

Pryke, S. (2012). Social network analysis in construction. New York: Wiley Blackwell.

Siva, P. S., & London, K. (2011). The cultural political economy of megaprojects: Governmentality and the social realm of client decision-making. Proceedings Architectural Management in the Digital Arena (pp. 171-183). Vienna: RMIT University Australia.