Development of a Risk Management Support Framework for Effective Construction Project Delivery in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Construction projects in Imo State, Nigeria, are often plagued by delays, cost overruns, and quality issues, largely due to inadequate risk-management practices. This study develops and operationalizes a Risk Management Support Framework (RMSF) to enhance effective construction project delivery in the region. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 180 construction professionals through structured questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, PCA, and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Findings reveal that poor risk identification, lack of standardized assessment tools, weak framework updating mechanisms, and insufficient stakeholder engagement are major obstacles to successful project delivery. While the baseline regression model explained 61% of the variance in project delivery performance, a secondary integrated framework-validation phase—integrating standardized processes, feedback loops, and stakeholder coordination—improved explanatory power to 85%. The proposed RMSF provides a structured, adaptive, and context-sensitive guide for improving planning efficiency, reducing delays, minimizing cost overruns, and enhancing overall construction performance in Imo State.