Stage-wise evaluation of integrity risks in public works procurement in India

Government agencies undertake procurement of works to achieve multiple goals. Like most countries, India has seen a rising volume of public construction projects. Nonetheless, this is an area that is yet to be tamed by the widespread procurement reforms, rendering it prone to corruption. This study introduces integrity risk management to construction management through a stage-wise assessment of integrity risks. Fifty-five major integrity risks are identified and mapped across the nine project stages. Delphi technique involving 11 domain experts yields reliable judgment on each risk item's probability and severity. Prioritization of risks as per the overall impact reveals 30 top risks concentrated in the 'contract management' stage, followed by the 'bid design' and 'payments'. A risk heat map is developed for a holistic visual depiction of these risks. Top risks include poor supervision, substitution of materials, mandatory tests not done, hindrances not properly recorded, tailor-made contracts, and non-transparent engagement of sub-contractors. The study demonstrates the application of the Bowtie analysis as a prospective risk management method in construction projects. The dynamic stage-wise integrity risk analysis presented should be of immediate functional utility to policymakers, practitioners, and academicians.