Identification of Project Risk Factors in a South African Train Manufacturing Project

Foli, Elizabeth

Identification of Project Risk Factors in a South African Train Manufacturing Project

Thesis / Dissertation

2023

Abstract

The South African train manufacturing industry has been dormant over the past 40 years, resulting in a decline in the industry. Undertaking a project to manufacture new trains for the country, a South African train manufacturing company is faced with many challenges that pose as risks to the project's success. These include challenges in economics, infrastructure, skills, value chain/supplier base, etc. This research aims to identify project risk factors in this South African train manufacturing project considering the nature of the project environment. Using a phenomenological approach to qualitative research, interviews were conducted with 11 participants to identify project risk. A questionnaire was then conducted to determine which risks were as a result of the South African environment. A total of 25 project risk factors were identified. The top risk factors included risks related to the supplier's capacity to support the project, the project's ability to fulfil contractual obligations, risks brought about by employee competence, and risks related to project finance. The most significant project risk factor was the inability of suppliers to meet the project capacity demands. This risk was also found to be as a result of the South African environment. The research results can be used as a basis/reference for risk identification in future train manufacturing projects in similar environments, as well as to guide local government's efforts in improving the industry. Potential further studies could consider risk relationships and the impacts of those relationships on the project.

Keywords

Project Management

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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