External Factors Affecting the Construction Management of  Large-Scale Airport Buildings in Thailand

Worawoot Chetnarong; Sumath  Roygulcharoen; Waranon  Kongsong; Teeradej  Snongtaweeporn; Chaiwat  Pooworakulchai; Chaleeporn  Thammapornram

Authors

Worawoot Chetnarong Ramkhamhaeng University
Sumath Roygulcharoen Constitutional Court Judges of the Kingdom of Thailand
Waranon Kongsong Ramkhamhaeng University
Teeradej Snongtaweeporn North Bangkok University
Chaiwat Pooworakulchai Ramkhamhaeng University
Chaleeporn Thammapornram Ramkhamhaeng University

Keywords:

Severe Diseases and Natural Disasters, Legal and Regulatory Factors, Airport Construction, Work Delays, Cost Management, Work Quality, Risk Management

Abstract

Background and Aims: Large-scale airport projects are highly complex and susceptible to various external disruptions. This research aims to investigate the impacts of two specific external factors—severe diseases and natural disasters, and legal and regulatory factors—on the construction management of large-scale airport buildings, specifically focusing on their influence on work delays, cost management, and work quality.

Methodology: Data were collected from 73 project stakeholders, including owners, designers, project management consultants, construction supervisors, and contractors. A purposive sampling method was employed to ensure that the sample consisted exclusively of professionals with direct, specialized experience in large-scale airport construction, making the findings highly representative of the project's operational environment. The study utilized descriptive statistics, One-Way ANOVA (F-test) to examine differences in professional perceptions based on demographic backgrounds, and Pearson correlation analysis to determine the strength of the relationships between the identified impact areas.

Results: The findings reveal that external factors significantly impact both work delays and cost management, with "severe diseases and natural disasters" identified as the primary factor yielding the highest mean scores. In contrast, the impact on work quality was found to be at a moderate level. Statistical analysis indicates that educational background significantly influences the perception of impacts from severe diseases and natural disasters regarding work delays and cost management, while work experience and job roles do not create statistically significant differences. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was observed between work delays and cost management (r = 0.924, p < 0.01), followed by correlations between cost management and work quality (r = 0.746, p < 0.01), and work delays and work quality (r = 0.744, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: External factors, particularly natural disasters, severe diseases, and legal and regulatory requirements, serve as critical disruptors in large-scale airport construction management. The strong positive correlation between delays and cost overruns underscores the necessity for proactive management strategies to mitigate these risks. Project managers should prioritize contingency planning and adaptability to minimize the cascade effect these external factors have on both budget and schedule, regardless of the team's professional tenure.

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