Abstract
The aim of this dissertation is to develop an understanding of the theoretical basis and practical implementation of stakeholder management in the construction industry and to evaluate the awareness of stakeholder management amongst project managers in the construction industry in Ireland. Stakeholder management presents extreme difficulties to project teams due to the complex and uncertain nature of construction projects. The decision by the Project Management Institute in 2013 to define stakeholder management as a distinct knowledge area for the first time demonstrates its increasing importance.
However, just a limited number of studies have been undertaken to evaluate the perception of practitioners in the construction industry to stakeholder management. The research seeks to expand on the previous studies by investigating their findings in the context of the Irish construction industry.
As a result of an intensive literature review this research defined and assessed the stakeholder management model and the role of stakeholder management in the delivery of construction projects. Furthermore, the various stakeholder analysis and engagement methods were identified and evaluated based on previous surveys. As a result, assumptions could be made as to which methods are most effective in the context of construction projects. These assumptions were then compared to the results of the primary research in the discussion part of this dissertation.
The outcome of the primary research showed project managers in the Irish construction industry considered the vast majority of stakeholder analysis and engagement methods as effective. The particular method adopted is often dependent on the characteristics of the project and stakeholders. The results suggest construction project managers in Ireland are more likely to undertake stakeholder management processes in accordance with a standardised methodology. In addition, the respondents strongly advocate the use of a project stakeholder register and the central role of stakeholder management in delivering successful projects. Stakeholder management, construction, Ireland
