Responsive human resource framework for design and building of mega housing development projects in Egypt

Abstract

Design and building of Mega Housing Development Projects (MHDP) has become one of the targets of developed countries, due to their positive impact on continuous population growth, rapid urbanisation, economic situation and working force engagement. Developing countries are moving towards the establishment of MHDP, where Egypt 2030 plan aims at constructing MHDP with specific vision. Although MHDP are expected to offer HR opportunities, they will generate challenges. The purpose of this paper is to design a responsive framework to HR factors arising from the internal and external MHDP environments. The paper undergoes a review for HR challenges and opportunities in design and building of MHDP, which was followed by a qualitative analysis of case studies from countries near to Egypt. Finally, a survey questionnaire was implemented, targeting stakeholders involved in MHDP. Most external challenges facing developing countries included security for HR working in design and building, shortage in access to technology in supply from a country to organization, Governance instability systems and lack of coordination. The most challenging factors facing the developing countries include providing services for organizations during construction of new MHDP, planning more flexible funding strategies for more flexible economic construction environment, avoiding continuous change of governmental systems and biased decision making, improving educational knowledge for constructions' obstacles to improve innovation, and Engaging more employees into the construction of MHDP activities. The paper developed a responsive framework and a risk register which better suits MHDP in Egypt. Strategies for HR internal opportunities at the design stage included “exploit”, “share”, and “enhance”. “Exploit” strategy aims to ensure that the opportunity is recognized and make the opportunity definitely happen. Regarding HR Challenges, responsive strategies include “Avoid”, “Transfer”, “Mitigate”, or “Accept”. The paper improves management practice of challenges and opportunities for HR in MHDP in Egypt.