Investigating the role of knowledge management on the relationship between integration management, risk factors, and performance management of construction projects: a case of UAE

Introduction: this research aimed to assess the impact of integration management, social risk, and technical risk on project management performance within the construction sector in the UAE. Method: a survey questionnaire was developed by extracting items from existing literature. A random sampling technique was used for data collection, resulting in a final valid response of 288 questionnaires. The data was empirically tested through measurement and structural models using Smart PLS. Results: the study demonstrated reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the latent constructs. The structural model results confirmed that integration management, technical risk, and knowledge management had a significant effect on construction project performance. Additionally, knowledge management significantly moderated the relationship between integration management and project performance, as well as between social risk and project performance in the UAE. Conclusions: the findings suggest that effective knowledge management can enhance project performance by moderating the impact of integration management and risk factors. Several policy implications were provided based on these results.


INTRODUCTION
The concept of integration management (IM) in construction projects has garnered significant attention from researchers, focusing on its critical role in coordinating various project procedures.Asif et al. defines IM as a meticulous process that establishes a governance structure to meet stakeholder requirements systematically. (1)Historically, IM has been a crucial component of systems engineering (2) and involves the coordination of all project activities to enhance success. (3)The "Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide" highlights IM as a key area, emphasizing its impact on project performance.Risk in projects refers to potential complications and issues affecting project objectives. (4)It is associated with uncertainty and can influence project components like scope, cost, quality, and schedule. (5)Construction projects, characterized by their complexity and dynamic environments, face inherent risks. (6)Knowledge management (KM) has emerged as a strategic asset for improving organizational performance.While past studies have focused on the service and manufacturing sectors, (7,9) some scholars argue that KM investment may not always enhance firm performance. (10)The construction industry, in particular, is affected by delays and cost overruns due to inadequate KM practices, (11) highlighting the need for better KM integration.

Overview of the Construction Industry in the UAE
Recently, the UAE construction industry has shown signs of recovery, with a growth rate of 3,1 % in 2021 following a 4,8 % decline in 2020.It is expected to grow at an annual average of 3,8 % from 2022 to 2025. (12)ew regulations, such as the Dubai Building Code, aim to reduce construction costs, and the UAE government has introduced a three-stage economic package to support investment and the labor market.Additionally, infrastructure development is a priority for the Emirate and the broader GCC region.Despite these positive trends, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted numerous projects, leading to reduced profits.However, significant events like Expo 2020, rescheduled to October 2021-March 2022, are anticipated to drive demand for construction, particularly in hospitality and public infrastructure.The sector faces challenges such as rising material costs and funding constraints but remains a vital part of the UAE economy.The UAE construction market is the largest in the Middle East, accounting for 41% of the GCC construction contract value since 2004 see figure 1. Key segments include residential, commercial, industrial, and energy construction.To highlight some practical policy implications and strategic guidelines for the project managers, industry experts, and other stakeholders as associated with the construction projects in UAE.Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología -Serie de Conferencias.2024; 3:.1160 2

Literature review Integration Management and Performance
Mitchell found that effective integration of specialized knowledge significantly impacts the successful design of products and processes, including large-scale IT projects. (13)Cox regression analysis indicated that access to external knowledge and internal knowledge integration both help reduce delays in IT projects. (13)Franz et al. explored how team integration and group cohesion affect project performance across 204 projects, revealing that delivery methods influence team integration. (14)Mellado and Lou examined how information modeling, lean practices, and sustainability improve construction performance, emphasizing the direct environmental impact of the construction industry. (15)chnical Risk and Performance Wiguna and Scott identified technical risks such as design defects and delays as critical factors affecting residential building projects. (16)Business performance can be understood through performance measurement, which assesses organizational success and improvement. (17,18)cial Risk and Performance Joynt Maddox et al. investigated social risk factors affecting hospital performance, (19) while Xiahou et al. analyzed social performance in construction projects [20].Social risk can damage an organization's reputation, leading to reduced customer loyalty and market share. (21)It can also increase costs and affect financial performance by raising legal and insurance expenses. (22)

Knowledge Management and Performance
Recent studies highlight the importance of knowledge management (KM) for improving performance.Lee et al. found that KM infrastructure and organizational learning are linked to performance. (23)Reich et al. confirmed KM's significant role in IT project performance. (24)Darroch showed that firms with more KM resources have higher innovation and performance. (25)Lim et al. demonstrated that KM practices in sustainable supply chain management enhance performance. (26)Zack et al. found that KM practices directly affect performance, indirectly influencing financial outcomes. (27)

Knowledge Management as Moderator
The moderating role of KM has been explored in various studies.Laroche et al. found that KM moderates the relationship between product intangibility and perceived risk. (28)Abd Rahman et al. showed that KM improves organizational effectiveness and training. (29)Wang et al. found that KM moderates the relationship between personal attitudes and organic food buying intentions. (30)Saffar and Obeidat demonstrated that knowledge sharing moderates the impact of total quality management on employee performance. (31)  H2: Social risk significantly impacts the performance management of construction projects in the UAE.H3: Technical risk significantly impacts the performance management of construction projects in the UAE.
H4: Knowledge management significantly impacts the performance management of construction projects in the UAE.
H5: Knowledge management moderates the relationship between integration management and the performance management of construction projects in the UAE.
H6: Knowledge management moderates the relationship between technical risk and the performance management of construction projects in the UAE.
H7: Knowledge management has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between social risk and the performance management of construction projects in the UAE.

Research methodology
This study has considered primary data collection with the help of a self-administrated structural questionnaire.The main reason to select the questionnaire technique as a data collection tool is that it helps the respondents provide their valuable opinions most appropriately and easily.Furthermore, it also helps summarize the responses more efficiently and effectively (Corbetta, 2003; AlDhaheri, 2023).Besides, it is also stated that a survey questionnaire is the most reliable and valid source for the data collection (Brush & Vanderwerf, 1992).As stated earlier, the existing research is based on the primary data by undertaking the survey technique through questionnaire.For this purpose, existing literature has been reviewed.Overall, five variables have been considered: integration management, social risk, technical risk, project knowledge management, and project performance.More specifically, there are three independent variables, one moderator and one dependent variable under present study.To measure these variables, five points Likert scale has been used.It is observed that many studies have utilized five points Likert scale for data collection (Chyung, Roberts, Swanson, & Hankinson, 2017; Derrick & White, 2017; H. Wu & Leung, 2017).For measuring the integration management, six items from the research work of Demirkesen and Ozorhon (2017b) have been extracted.On the other side, the measurement of Social Risk is based on the theoretical and empirical contribution by Miao, Huang, and He (2019).Additionally, the Technical Risk is measured through seven items as found the study of (El-Sayegh et al., 2021).As part of measuring the knowledge management, three dimensions, entitled enabling environment, knowledge practices and knowledge stock have been considered from the research work of (Reich et al., 2014a).Finally, the project management performance is measured through three items as adopted from the research work of Demirkesen and Ozorhon (2017b).Appendix-1 provides the structure of the questionnaire along with the relevant items under consideration.Using the structural questionnaire, random sampling technique was adopted for the purpose of data collection from the construction industry in UAE.Table 1 provides the details related to response rate.For empirical estimation, current research considers demographic analysis, descriptive measures and two step approach entitled measurement model and structural model, respectively.

Measurement Model Assessment Construct Reliability and Validity
Reliability was confirmed with Cronbach's Alpha and rho_A values above 0,70 for all constructs.Convergent validity was established with average variance extracted (AVE) values above 0,50 (table 6).

Discriminant Validity
Fornell-Larcker criteria were met, showing that the square root of AVE values is greater than the interconstruct correlations (table 7).Also, Figure 3 provides the output for the measurement model.Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología -Serie de Conferencias.2024; 3:.1160 6
Figure 3 provides the output for the measurement model.

DISCUSSION
The demographic analysis indicates a diverse range of professional backgrounds and experience levels among respondents, with a predominance of architecture and a substantial presence in the 10-20 years of industry experience.Expertise varies widely, with a significant focus on building and water structures.
The measurement model analysis confirms reliability and validity of the constructs.Discriminant validity was verified using Fornell-Larcker criteria, ensuring accurate measurement of constructs.
In terms of direct relationships, integration management significantly improves project performance, supporting its importance in the construction industry.The impact of social risk on project performance was found to be positive but not statistically significant, suggesting that while social risk may influence performance, its effect in this study is minimal.Technical risk has a significant negative effect on project performance, highlighting the need for effective risk management strategies.Knowledge management also positively affects project performance, emphasizing its role in enhancing project outcomes.
The moderating effects of knowledge management are notably significant in strengthening the relationships between integration management and project performance, as well as between social risk and project performance.However, knowledge management's moderating role on technical risk is not significant, indicating a potential gap in how knowledge management practices are applied to mitigate technical risks.Both elaborated as the following two figures.Overall, these findings underscore the importance of integration management and knowledge management in improving project performance and suggest areas for further enhancement in managing technical risks.

CONCLUSION
This study explores the impact of technical risk, social risk, and integration management on project management performance in the UAE construction sector, with a focus on the moderating role of knowledge management.Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS, and analyzing data from 288 valid questionnaires, the findings indicate that integration management, technical risk, and knowledge management significantly influence project performance.Knowledge management also plays a critical moderating role between integration management and project performance, as well as between social risk and project performance.
Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología -Serie de Conferencias.2024; 3:.1160 8 Key recommendations include implementing an effective project management system with centralized documentation and communication, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and leveraging technology such as Building Information Modeling (BIM).Regular monitoring and aligning project schedules with budgets and quality controls are essential.To mitigate technical risks, developing contingency plans and engaging experts is advisable.
The study underscores the importance of knowledge management in enhancing project outcomes.It suggests that the construction industry should invest in employee training, promote knowledge sharing, and use both financial and non-financial incentives to support knowledge management practices.Strengthening knowledge management practices can lead to improved project performance and better coordination among stakeholders.

Figure 2
reflects the research framework of the study.

Figure 2 .
Figure 2. Research Framework Considering above literature, below mentioned research hypotheses have been developed and tested: H1: Integration management significantly impacts the performance management of construction projects in the UAE.H2: Social risk significantly impacts the performance management of construction projects in the UAE.H3: Technical risk significantly impacts the performance management of construction projects in the UAE.

Table 1 .
Sample Response Rate

Table 2 .
Field of Operations (FOO)

Table 3 .
Company's Experience (CEX) in the Construction Industry

Table 4 .
Company's Expertise (CEX) in the Relevant Industry

Table 6 .
Construct Reliability and Validity