An analysis of technical risks in the construction of buildings in Malta

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation was to carry out an Analysis of Technical Risks involved in the Construction of Buildings in Malta. After outlining a basic plan for the dissertation to follow through the Literature Review, the author became aware of the existing Technical Risks related to buildings in the global construction sector, namely Design Risks, Risk of Inadequate Materials used in the Construction Process and Workmanship Risks, as well as the Risk Management techniques utilised. From the Literature Review, the author identified areas wheremore knowledge needed to be obtained, specifically relating to the local scenario. Therefore, different sets of questions were formulated in order to gain a more in-depth perspective about the subject and possibly find new kind of Risk Management techniques. The author identified Periti, Geotechnical Engineers, Quality Assurance Engineers/Surveyors and Project Managers as the experts in the construction field to provide answers for such questions. Since the questions were of a Qualitative nature, Interviews were the most appropriate data collection tool and Thematic Analysis was the model chosen in orderto analyse data collected from respondents. The main findings of this Dissertation were that; cost savings in construction projects are prioritised over quality, customers have become accustomed to substandard quality housing, developments are dictated by the developers not by professionals, ground risks are the most severe type of construction risks, human resources are limited in the Maltese construction industry leading to the engagement of inexperienced workers, lack of enforcement and reform from the part of the authorities, lack of coordination between Design and Construction teams and that Health & Safety risks are more prominent than Technical Risks in the Maltese construction industry.