Bridging Communication Gaps
Enhancing Collaboration in Multinational Capital Projects
I.P. Osipova (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
E.J. Houwing – Mentor (TU Delft - Integral Design & Management)
P.W.C. Chan – Mentor (TU Delft - Design & Construction Management)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
Multinational capital projects face persistent challenges such as delays, cost overruns, and misalignment often rooted in communication breakdowns. Although digital tools are widely adopted to support collaboration, their effectiveness varies depending on how they are used and interpreted within culturally and geographically diverse teams.
This thesis explores how digital tools can be used more effectively to support communication in multinational capital projects. Building on theories of boundary objects, multimodal communication, and socio-technical systems, the study combines a literature review with a qualitative case study. Semi-structured interviews with project professionals reveal that communication effectiveness depends not only on the tools themselves, but also on contextual factors such as working styles, trust, tool fragmentation, and shared understanding.
The research proposes a revised communication model that highlights the role of interpretation, alignment, and tool governance. Practical recommendations are offered to improve how digital tools are applied in complex project settings, turning communication from a source of risk into a strategic asset.