The influence of risks on the outturn cost of ICT infrastructure network projects

Abstract

Purpose The internet of things (IoT) is becoming an increasingly inescapable part of society. IoT paradigm cannot function without the networking infrastructure. High-speed data networks are essential to enable the IoT future. Thus, the purpose of this study is on the identification of risks that influence the development, installation and operation of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure network project cost outcomes. So far, there has been little attention has been paid to risks problems in these types of IoT enabling projects. Design/methodology/approach This research follows a quantitative analysis approach. Data for this study were collected by a survey from 209 professionals. Multiple regression analysis was used to model the relationship between risks and outturn cost of infrastructure needed to enable the operation of IoT technologies. Findings The main risk factors that were identified were planning and development, people and management, operations, technology and hardware. Research limitations/implications This research has expanded the existing literature by documenting and clustering ICT infrastructure network project risks into themes, and has developed a scale (risk statements) for measuring such risks. Further, the research has advanced the understanding by identifying the most likely risks that will contribute to the overrun of these projects. Originality/value This research establishes a reliable regression method for the assessment of the risks that influence the development, installation and operation of ICT infrastructure network projects outturn cost. No other research has measured or studied the risks in this type of project.