Limitations of the Cyclic Causal Model in Establishing the Main Risks of Serious Problem Projects. A Study of the Vancouver Building Project Failure (2014)

The cyclic causal model (CCM) is greatly reliable when dealing with serious problem projects (SSPs). The model has been successfully applied in respect of various SSPs. This study was dedicated to establishing the limitations of the cyclic causal model and involved a case study – the Vancouver building project which qualified as an SSP. The study involved face to face interviews with various stakeholders of the project. A total of eight respondents were sampled and participated in the study.

We analysed the data obtained from the interviews statistically and noted that the main limitations of the cyclic causal model relate to the characteristic differences between the derivative and accelerating events when dealing with complex situations and its inability to provide a concrete solution to solving problems related to the derivative and accelerating events. In view of the interventions of the building code and regulations, it is possible to cope with critical risk areas for various structural needs.

Using the causal models of risk management, professional building and construction bodies have formulated several interventions for the industry for risk elimination and management. The seriousness of the risks involved in the building and construction industry border heavy financial losses for project clients and puts the safety of people frequenting the structure as well as the members of the general public using the structure at risk.

The nature and application of the construction projects and their unique demands in terms of professional regulation raises questions relating to technical engineering considerations or ordinary project management. One of the risk management interventions that have been extensively applied in various industries is the cyclic causal model. The cyclic causal model that targets the identification of risks and their elimination long before the commencement of the project seems to have a number of inherent limitations.

Explanations to the limitations of the CCM in serious problem projects can form the basis of the phenomenon where the best professionally proposed codes still prove insufficient. The cyclic causal model has several advantages especially when applied to serious problem projects. However, its limitations in the same respect remain a mystery that needs to be solved.

Research Questions:

• Does the existing Vancouver Building Project qualify as a severe problem project?
• What are some of the limitations of the cyclic causal model in respect of the Vancouver building project?

• 16,000 words – 68 pages in length
• Excellent use of literature
• Excellent statistical analysis
• Well written throughout
• Includes interview questions
• Ideal for project management and construction students

1 – Introduction
Main Objective
Research Questions

2 – Literature Review
Reasons Why Projects Fail
Failure to Plan Properly
Failure to Do Anything
Ignoring the Risks
Functional Thinking
Changing Sponsors
Absence of Stakeholder Buy-in
Hidden Agendas
Unmanaged Expectations
Ineffective Communication
Project Management: Risk Management
1 Steps in Risk Management in a Project
The Cyclic Causal Model
The Vancouver Building Project and Its Failure

3 – Research Methodology
Research Paradigm
Research Philosophy
Research Approach
Research Strategy
Data Collection
Sampling
Time horizon

4 – Results and Data Analysis
Correlation between Projects Problems and the Cumulative Quantity Accelerating and Derivative Events
Correlation between Derivative and Accelerating Events in Cyclic Models
Difference in mean frequency of cumulative events between the SPPs and Non-SPPS cases
Independent Samples Test
ANOVA

5 – Conclusion

6 – Recommendations
References

Appendix
Interview Questions