Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Projects: A Survey of Professionals

Authors

  • Tássia Farssura Lima da Silva USP - University of São Paulo Brazil
  • Darli Rodrigues Vieira University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR) Canada
  • Silvio Burrattino Melhado University of São Paulo; CIB (Internacional Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction) Brazil
  • Marly Monteiro de Carvalho University of São Paulo Brazil

Keywords:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT, UNCERTAINTY, RISK, ENGINEERING PROJECTS, PROJECT SUCCESS

Abstract

Engineering projects tend to present numerous uncertainties due to a lack of information or unreliable information, new technologies, project complexity or even unpredictable factors. These uncertainties can affect the project´s success. This paper aims to investigate the level of knowledge and adoption of risk management practices in engineering projects. Moreover, the paper aims to explore the perception of the influence of risk management on project success. The methodological approach was a survey-based study with a sample of 596 respondents. The results indicated that most professionals (61.6%) know of the PMBoK® and try to partially or totally apply it, followed by ISO 31000 (24.7%) and ICB/IPMA (13.6%). Considering the success dimensions, the most frequent consequences associated with risk were delayed schedule, increased cost, damaged client reputation, and decreased quality.

Author Biographies

  • Tássia Farssura Lima da Silva, USP - University of São Paulo Brazil

    Silva, MSc is a PhD candidate in Risk Management at Escola Politecnica at University of Sao Paulo (USP). Her research involves risk management and Building Information Modeling (BIM) interfaces. Professional experience in multidisciplinary engineering projects having 11 years of experience in management and planning in the industrial sector and academic experience as a lecturer in the Post-Graduation course on Building Design Management at University of Sao Paulo.

  • Darli Rodrigues Vieira, University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR) Canada

    Darli Rodrigues Vieira Professor in Project Management Holds the research chair in Management of Aeronautical Projects – Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)

  • Silvio Burrattino Melhado, University of São Paulo; CIB (Internacional Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction) Brazil

    Melhado, PhD. is an expert of management systems implementation into construction projects and design offices. He is the Coordinator of “Project Quality” working group from ANTAC e Co-Coordinator of Architectural Management Comission (W96) from CIB (Internacional Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction). Nowadays his main works are related to the Design Management field and his current research focus is the evolution of the design process in the construction sector towards sustainability and BIM requirements. Some other works include topics on construction management, engineering management, and the design-execution interface.

  • Marly Monteiro de Carvalho, University of São Paulo Brazil

    Marly Monteiro de Carvalho is a Full Professor at the University of São Paulo (USP) in the Production Engineering Department of the Polytechnic School in Brazil. She is the coordinator of the Project Management Lab (http://www.pro.poli.usp.br/lgp), and the coordinator of the Master Programs in Project Management (USP/FCAV). She holds a BSc in Production Engineering from the University of São Paulo, and MSc and PhD degrees in the same area from Federal University of Santa Catarina, and the Post-Doctoral Program at the Polytechnic of Milan. Marly has published 12 books and a number of articles in leading journals.

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Published

2022-05-20

How to Cite

Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Projects: A Survey of Professionals. (2022). The Journal of Modern Project Management, 7(1). https://journalmodernpm.com/manuscript/index.php/jmpm/article/view/JMPM01912

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