An analytical research tool for monitoring stakeholder conflicts in public–private partnership project delivery

Public transport projects implemented via public-private partnerships (PPPs) frequently fail due to inefficiencies and diminished trust resulting from stakeholder conflicts. Measuring such stakeholder conflicts remains challenging yet critical, as these conflicts can cause significant delays, cost overruns, and breakdowns in stakeholder relationships for PPP projects. The study employs the sustainability framework and the Stakeholder Conflicts Index (SCI) to develop a novel analytical research tool to better understand stakeholder conflicts and provide a holistic view of stakeholder conflict across sustainability dimensions. The stakeholder conflict strategic map is also proposed to monitor stakeholder engagement, allowing project managers to proactively identify areas requiring immediate attention. A case study of the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) project is analyzed. Data was collected through expert surveys involving representatives from the government, private sector, and third parties. The analysis employed the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to structure stakeholder perspectives and produce SCI. The findings reveal escalating disagreements and potential trust deterioration in key areas over time, suggesting immediate stakeholder negotiations to prevent further disruptions. This analytical research tool can be applied to PPP projects in other jurisdictions to monitor stakeholder conflicts and emphasizes the importance of early intervention.