An Analysis of International Construction Risk Factors on Partner Selection by
Applying ANP Approach
Guzin AYDOGAN
1
and Almula KOKSAL
2
1
Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Interior Architure, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts
University, İstanbul, Turkey, PH (90) 2122521600-269, FAX (90) 212-2431361,
Email: aydoganguzin@hotmail.com
2
Asst. Professor, Department of Building Mangement and Housing Production,
Yildiz Technical University, İstanbul, Turkey, PH (90) 212-3832345-2596, FAX (90)
212-2618929, Email: koksal@iit.edu
ABSTRACT
International construction involves uncertainties similar to domestic construction
projects as well as risks specific to the host country. International contractors usually
establish partnerships with a local firm in order to reduce risks and obtain knowledge
of current local business practices and general knowledge of the local economy,
politics and customs since they are unfamiliar with these institutional environments.
Selecting an appropriate partner and considering the political, economic and
socio-economic environment of a foreign country is essential for the formation and
operation of a successful venture. Industry related factors and project related factors
are the common risk factors that affect both domestic and international construction
projects. In this respect, host country related factors, industry related factors and
project related factors are considered as the main parameters of the partner selection
process for international construction joint ventures (ICJVs), and the criteria of these
factors are determined thorough literature review. The aim of this study is to assess
the priorities of the determined risk factors in partner selection for ICJVs. Analytical
network process (ANP) is selected as the most appropriate tool for this study as it
allows interdependencies between components of a problem. A two phases of survey
was conducted. Within the context of this study, the priorities and the weights of the
determined risk factors are revealed. As a result; political stability, socio-economic
stability, force majeure, inflation, government policy to construction sector and the
strength of the legal system are found to be most important determinants of the
partner selection process. The paper is relevant to both industry practitioners and
researchers. Industry practitioners may assume the weighted criteria for partner
selection or apply ANP approach to determine the priorities of their own set of
selection criteria. It is also possible to add or remove a risk criterion according to the
conditions of the specified country.
INTRODUCTION
Internationalization has been on the agenda of construction firms as a strategic
658 ICCREM 2013 © ASCE 2013