Early detection of construction project risks in Saudi Arabia: a mixed-methods study on warning signs and mitigation

In the context of construction risk management in Saudi Arabia, this research identifies and triangulates the Early Warning Signs (EWS) for construction project failure. Two mixed-methods approaches were used. First, a questionnaire survey of construction professionals was conducted to elicit EWS and identify mitigation actions. Second, participants were invited to participate in a Nominal Group Technique (NGT) session and prioritize the EWS and identify mitigation actions. The survey was developed from existing literature and a pilot study to include 41 items, and was found to have high internal reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.86). Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze data from the survey, and the qualitative phase of the research was used to achieve consensus in prioritization of EWS and to describe mitigation options. The findings of this research provided converging evidence that the following EWS exist for construction failure: management's failure to respond effectively, weak project definition, ineffective leadership, grossly inaccurate costs, and a lack of project experience. The study provides context-sensitive mitigation options, including improving the tendering and cost engineering functions, improving the front-end definition and resource planning of construction projects, establishing effective leadership and reporting procedures, and institutionalizing risk registers and lessons learned. Overall, the findings of this research will inform early warning signs for risk management and provide a foundation for subsequent case study evaluation of the effectiveness of mitigation measures in Saudi Arabia.