Risk mitigation framework in managing risks for civil engineering projects in Malaysia

This research focuses on the importance of risk mitigation as a key component of project management to ensure efficiency and profitability in civil engineering projects. The primary aim of this research is to develop a risk mitigation framework for managing civil engineering projects in Malaysia. It focuses on three objectives: i) identifying the risk factors affecting risk mitigation in civil engineering projects; ii) determining strategies for implementing risk mitigation in these projects; and iii) proposing recommendations for a risk mitigation framework for civil engineering projects. A triangulation methodology was adopted. The first methodology is a questionnaire survey, where data was collected from respondents from G7 contractors’ companies and civil engineering consultants obtained from the CIDB and BEM database. Out of 350 respondents, 118 responses were collected and analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Second, face-to-face interviews were held within thirty (30) of selected survey respondents to gain deeper insights into risk mitigation strategies. To complete the triangulation process, expert interviews were conducted with four (4) professionals holding key decision-making roles such as Project Director, Project Manager, and Risk Manager, involved in civil engineering projects. The findings revealed fourteen (14) critical risk factors commonly experienced by contractors and civil engineers during project execution, including construction delays, late payments, unavailability of funds, design and cope changes, and poor communication. Additional important risks included coordination issues, competency levels, scheduling challenges, construction ambiguities, inflation and price fluctuation, project complexity, material shortage, political environment and improper client intervention. The study emphasizes requires a systematic process of risk identification, analysis, and management. The proposed framework contributes to both academic literature and the construction industry, offering guidance for professionals in navigating risk mitigation strategies. By adopting this framework, civil engineering professionals and contractors can improve their ability to manage risks, align strategies with project objectives and enhance overall project success.