As Asia becomes one of the largest construction markets in the world in terms of construction volume, several international construction firms are expected to undertake projects there. This pilot study identifies significant factors that contribute to the successful performance of projects undertaken by “International U.S firms in the Asian countries. The paper looks to highlight some of the risks inherent in international construction and the different modes of operation employed by these firms in the Asian region. Data for this study was collected through a web-based survey directed to 24 U.S firms operating in the Asian region. Eleven of the 24 firms responded to the survey giving a response rate of 46 percent. The findings revealed that Consultancy, followed by Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), are the primary services provided by these firms in industrial and commercial sectors in the Asian region. Major capital projects were highlighted as one prime reason these firms were attracted to the Asian region. Their principal mode of entry involved setting up a branch office or a subsidiary firm in the respective country or forming a joint venture with a local national firm. The factors that affect the maximum number of success measures and give these firms an edge over their counterparts include an exemplary track record, management expertise, and availability of good educational and training facilities. All the firms emphasized the quality of their office workforce as one of the major contributors for success. Achieving this brings about good project quality performance and owner satisfaction.
construction firms Asian region track records management ezpertise training consultancy
C. Gregory Lasker F. Robert F Cox D. Kirk Alter Vivek Sah Alister McLeod
Department of Building and ConstructionManagement, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA Department of Building Construction Management,Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA Department of Building ConstructionManagement, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA 47906 Department of Building Construction Management,Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA 47906 Department of Industrial Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA 47906