A study of risk assessment of the UAE defence industry product development projects in terms of prioritization and decision making

Abstract

This study investigates the risk assessment of developmental projects in terms of prioritisation and selection in the UAE defence industry. The industry is very complex due to the many factors and stakeholders and supply chain. Semi-structured and structured one-to-one interviews, as well as focus groups, were conducted with 37 employees working at one of the 25 defence companies operating in the UAE, and the data generated were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings reveal that risk is perceived in the industry as an uncertain detrimental/negative occurrence that is associated with the outcome of the industry’s project objectives, could lead to undesired consequences, but when handled appropriately, could be beneficial to one or all of the parties involved in the project. The stakeholders of the product development projects of the defence industry of the UAE are either internal (executive, management, and the working level) or external (government, banks, and suppliers). The study also analysed the drivers and constraints of the projects and the control measures of the defence development projects. A fuzzy risk assessment model was subsequently proposed and developed as a suitable model for risk assessment and management of projects in the defence industry. The model meets the defined assessment criteria and can inform decision-makers about risks that need attention. This study will change the way risk is perceived in the industry and help in improving the assessment and management of the risk of the product development project of the UAE defence industry. The study’s contribution also includes raising awareness about structured/formalised risk management from project and enterprise risk management perspectives among stakeholders, demonstrating the value of trust and confidence-building among stakeholders, and enhancing the line of sight for effective risk communication among stakeholders. The research has the intention to contribute to the wider development of the UAE defence industry.

Date of Award	2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Aberystwyth University
Supervisor	Ian Birchmore (Supervisor)