An investigation of the influence of project complexity on communications in engineering construction projects

Abstract

The contribution of project complexity to poor project performance has been received growing attention in construction industry. Although there are empirical studies that figure out the relationship between them, the studies that investigate further relationships between different types of complexity and project performance are limited. Construction projects are increasingly characterized by high levels of structural complexity and dynamics. Managing projects under such situations is difficult and challenging. Communications between project participants is influential of smoothly implementation of the projects. The complexity may intensify the role of communications because of the increased need for coordination and decision making. However, the relationship between project complexity and communication, and the role of communication on complexity-performance relationship remains unclear. The research purpose of this study is proposed: to investigate the effects of project complexity on project performance, and the significance of communications in enhancing project performance in complex projects. The research is achieved by investigating three research objectives in the context of Chinese engineering construction projects through both quantitative and qualitative research methods. First, a questionnaire survey is distributed to ongoing or recently completed engineering construction projects, mainly targeting technical related professionals of contractors as respondents, to examine the relationships among project complexity, communication performance, and project performance. The data collected from 167 respondents coming from 101 projects contributes to 434 dyads observations. The data is analyzed through several statistical techniques, including stepwise regression, hierarchical linear modelling, and OLS regression. Second, a multi-cases study is used to qualitatively investigate the role of decentralized and centralized communication in enhancing project performance in projects with different degrees of project complexity. Three Chinese engineering transportation projects, including a subway project at Chengdu, a city bridge project and a city road project at Beijing, are chosen for analysis based on a series of criteria. Thematic analysis is used for analysis, and both within-case and cross-case analysis are employed. The quantitative findings of this research show that, firstly, both project structural complexity and project dynamic complexity have significant and negative effects on project performance, while communication performance is positively related to project performance. Secondly, project structural complexity and project dynamic complexity affect communication performance through communication intensity, and media richness. Thirdly, however, the mediation effect of communication performance on complexity-performance relationship is not significant. The qualitative findings propose that the higher degree of project complexity, the more decentralized communication is needed to achieve high efficient project performance. This study contributes to empirical support to the project complexity’s effect on project performance, and communication. This study recommends suggestions and management implications, and also presents several limitations for future research.