MODELLING OF THE RISKS FACED BY INDIAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES ASSESSING INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Indian construction companies have only 0.05% market share in the 3-4 trillion dollar global construction business and only two Indian construction companies figure in the ENR "Top 225 Global Contractors 2006" list. Hence, while enormous scope for growth exists, international construction experience is limited. This study explores the risks as perceived by Indian companies venturing abroad since risks in international construction differ from home market risks. Literature survey identified a number of risk factors that were evaluated by the experts, highlighting fourteen important risk factors. Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) was used to develop a hierarchical model showing the relationships between the different risk factors, thus helping to focus on the key risks for effective risk management. The study shows that poor project management is a key risk forming the hub of the system, while political instability has maximum influence. The results of the study can be used by managers to visualise the risks in perspective and prioritise the mitigation effort.