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An Approach for Measuring Complexity Degree of International Engineering Projects

Author

Listed:
  • Qianqian Ju

    (School of Management, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China)

  • Yankun Sun

    (School of Management, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China)

  • Ran Chen

    (School of Management, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China)

Abstract

With the increasing trend of globalization, countries actively join the international engineering market, increasing the complexity of projects. An appropriate method for assessing project complexity can help project managers recognize the current situation and solve problems. However, existing complexity studies ignored the contribution of human element. The impact of human activities on the complexity of socio-economic systems is concerned in the Harmony Management Theory (HMT), therefore, this study proposed a complexity measurement based on the Harmony Management Theory. Firstly, an evaluation indicator system including three dimensions of organizational, technological, and environmental complexity is proposed through a literature review, Back-Propagation Neural Network-Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (BP-DEMATEL) method, and Interval-valued intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets (IIFS) are used to calculate complexity scores. Then, a case study of Yawan high-speed railway project is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The complexity measurement based on harmony theory can be carried out from three aspects: Organization, technology, and environment. (2) The overall complexity performance of case project is 0.52, showing a medium level. (3) Technical complexity is the most important factor of the case project. The method proposed in this study can identify the influencing factors of complexity and calculate the comprehensive evaluation value of complexity. Based on the final quantified results, managers can formulate appropriate measures and match the project with appropriate resources so as to improve the performance of International Engineering Projects (IEPs).

Suggested Citation

  • Qianqian Ju & Yankun Sun & Ran Chen, 2023. "An Approach for Measuring Complexity Degree of International Engineering Projects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:12:p:9791-:d:1174620
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Shoujing Zhang & Xiaofan Qin & Sheng Hu & Qing Zhang & Bochao Dong & Jiangbin Zhao, 2020. "Importance Degree Evaluation of Spare Parts Based on Clustering Algorithm and Back-Propagation Neural Network," Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Hindawi, vol. 2020, pages 1-13, May.
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