| Abstract: | Effective project risk management is essential for the successful completion of construction
projects, particularly in dynamic and complex environments. This study conducts a comparative
analysis of project risk management practices between local Ethiopian contractors and Chinese
construction companies, focusing on selected building construction projects under Ethio-Telecom.
The research aims to identify the specific risk management techniques employed by both groups
and assess their effectiveness in influencing project outcomes, such as completion time, budget
adherence, and quality of work. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining
quantitative data from 79 respondents out of 94 distributed questionnaires and qualitative insights
from interviews with Ethio-Telecom engineers and project managers. The findings reveal that
Chinese contractors employ more structured and technologically advanced risk management
practices compared to local contractors. These practices include comprehensive risk
identification, detailed risk analysis, systematic risk response planning, and rigorous risk
monitoring and control. As a result, Chinese contractors achieve better project outcomes in terms
of cost efficiency, adherence to schedules, quality maintenance, and safety performance. The study
highlights the significant differences in risk management approaches between the two groups and
suggests that local contractors could benefit from adopting the advanced practices of their Chinese
counterparts to enhance their project management capabilities and improve overall project
success in Ethiopia's construction industry. Based on the findings, the study recommends that local
contractors enhance their risk identification and analysis techniques, improve risk response
planning, and strengthen risk monitoring and control mechanisms. By adopting these practices,
local contractors can improve their project performance and align more closely with the successful
strategies employed by Chinese contractors. |
