The Critical Risk Factors that Influence Production-oriented Projects in the United Arab Emirates: A ‘Best-worst Method’ (BWM) Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to categorize and prioritize the critical risk factors that influence production-oriented projects. Utilizing data obtained from the metal production (manufacturing) and fabrication industry in United Arab Emirates, we employ multicriteria decision analysis encompassing the ‘Best-Worst Method’ (BWM) for factor ranking and categorization. The outcome of this exercise being the development of substantial proficiency in risk management that will have a significant impact on the overall success of projects commissioned within the production space. Findings drawn against an integrated ‘Technology–Organization–Environment’ and ‘Four levels of uncertainty’ framework suggests that ‘Automation,’ ‘Cycle time,’ and ‘Feed rate’ (technological factors), ‘Manpower utilization’ and ‘Agility’ (organizational factors), and ‘Occupational health and safety’ (environmental factors), ranked highest in terms of critical risk factors likely to impact upon the outcome of projects. This paper makes a specific contribution to the literature in that our use of an integrated ‘Technology–Organization–Environment’ – ‘Four levels of uncertainty’ framework as a risk intelligence focused typology allows us to focus on proactive as against reactive management of risk. This forms the core element of our theorization of risk knowledge as risk intelligence.

Keywords:

• Projects
• Risk Intelligence
• Production
• Success Factors
• ‘Best-Worst Method’ (BWM)
• Levels of Uncertainty

EMJ Focus Areas:

• Program & Project Management
• Decision Making & Risk Management

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan

Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan is an Assistant Professor in Industrial Systems Engineering at the University of Regina. Prior to that, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Sharjah. He holds a dual PhD in Engineering (Engineering Management) from University of Quebec, Ecole de Technologie Superieure (ÉTS), Montreal, Canada and University of Sharjah and MSc in Industrial and Systems Engineering from National University of Singapore (NUS) Singapore.

Udechukwu Ojiako

Udechukwu Ojiako is Professor of Engineering Management at the University of Sharjah and Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Business, Law and Politics, University of Hull. He is also Associate Editor of Production Planning & Control. Udi holds a PhD in Project Management obtained from the University of Northumbria, a second PhD in Business obtained from University of Hull. He has recently completed a third PhD in Law, from Aberystwyth University.

Alasdair Marshall

Alasdair Marshall is Associate Professor in Risk Management at Southampton Business School, University of Southampton. Both his MA (Hons) degree and PhD are in Social Science, from the University of Glasgow. Between 2003 and 2008, Alasdair worked at Glasgow Caledonian University, where he contributed to Risk Management teaching within Caledonian Business School and was involved in a broad range of research and consultancy projects within the Cullen Centre for Risk and Governance.

Doraid Dalalah

Doraid Dalalah received his BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Jordan University of Science and Technology. He received his master degree in Industrial Engineering from Jordan University. He worked as a maintenance engineer at Jordan Cement Factories till 2000. Doraid obtained his PhD from Lehigh University (USA) in Industrial and System Engineering and is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Sharjah. His research interests include Parallel Computations, Optimization and Simulation systems.

Serkan Ceylan

Serkan Ceylan the Head of School of Project Management, joined Arden University. He has visiting Professorships/Lectureships in Germany, Spain, Finland and France, and has undertaken external examiner duties for Universities such as Lancaster University and the University of Bedfordshire. His qualifications include Business Management Studies (University of Hamburg/Lueneburg), BA (Hons), MBA from Solent University, and a PhD from Nottingham Trent University.

Naser Nader Ali Shabani

Naser Nader Ali Shabani joined the BSc program of Industrial Engineering at the University of Sharjah in 2015. He has finished his bachelor degree in industrial engineering in 2019. Currently, Engineer Naser is working in the UAE.

Salama Imad Al Sharqawi

Salama Imad Al Sharqawi is a 2019 graduate of the BSc Industrial Engineering programme at the University of Sharjah. Salama is currently working in the engineering field in the United Arab Emirates as an engineer.