Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) assessment of Kuwait mega construction projects' complexity

PurposeMegaproject's construction is essential for the development and economic growth of any country, especially in the developing world. In Kuwait, megaprojects are facing many restrictions that discourage their execution causing a significant delay in bidding, design, construction and operation phases with the execution quality being affected. The objective of this study is to develop a complexity measurement model using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for megaprojects in Kuwait, with a focus on the New Kuwait University multi-billion campus Shadadiyah (College of Social Science, Sharia and Law (CSSL)) as a case study.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies a hybrid fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method to compare the results with those obtained using the conventional AHP method. This can facilitate the project management activities during the different stages of construction. Data were collected based on the results of a two-round Delphi questionnaire completed by seniors and experts of the selected project.FindingsIt was found that project modeling methodology was responsible for complexity. It was grouped under several categories that include technological, goal, organizational, environmental and cultural complexities. The study compares complexity degrees assessed by AHP and FAHP methods. Technological Complexity scores highest in both methods, with FAHP reaching 7.46. Goal Complexity follows closely behind, with FAHP. Cultural Complexity ranks third, differing between methods, while Organizational and Environmental Complexity consistently score lower, with FAHP values slightly higher. These results show varying complexity levels across dimensions. Assessing and understanding such complexities were essential toward the completion of such megaprojects.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study is on providing the empirical evidential knowledge for the priority over construction complexities in a developing country (Kuwait) in the Middle East.

Automated summary

The construction of megaprojects is crucial for the development and economic growth of any country, especially in developing nations. However, megaprojects in Kuwait face restrictions that hinder their execution and lead to significant delays. This study aims to develop a complexity measurement model for megaprojects in Kuwait, focusing on the New Kuwait University campus as a case study. The study applies a hybrid fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method and compares it with the conventional AHP method. The findings reveal the complexity factors and their varying levels in different dimensions, emphasizing the importance of assessing and understanding these complexities for the successful completion of megaprojects.