The impact of risk and uncertainty on healthcare project delivery and its effect on intra-group conflict in the context of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Healthcare construction projects are characterised by temporal risks and uncertainties, which may give rise to conflict. Decision-making within project teams is therefore an important focus of academic enquiry, particularly in a post-COVID-19 era, where healthcare projects play a crucial role in supporting pandemic recovery. Understanding the landscape that characterises projects in the healthcare setting could provide useful insights into broader project delivery issues and the effects of decision-making in situations of risk and uncertainty. This thesis describes a qualitative exploratory single case study situated within the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; semi-structured interviews provide an evidence base by which to understand the presence of risk, uncertainty, and intra-group conflict. The findings of this study identify the prevalence of conflict within project teams, exposing the detrimental effects of inconsistent decision-making. Moreover, the study uncovers how risk and uncertainty may directly impact decision-making processes and project delivery schedules, and thus contributing to the existing body of knowledge in the broader field of project studies. The findings illustrate the impacts of regulatory changes, supply chain disruptions, unexpected delays, and cost overruns. In order to moderate the effects of these impacts, the thesis offers recommendations for healthcare construction stakeholders, emphasising the development of robust mitigation strategies and contingency plans. These recommendations advocate for targeted training in project management, risk assessment, and crisis management. By embracing these measures, stakeholders may proactively manage the multifaceted challenges, thus enabling the successful completion of healthcare construction projects in the dynamic landscape of risk and uncertainty.