Infrastructural construction projects in the Netherlands, such as roads, bridges, and tunnels, have become increasingly complex. This complexity introduces various risks, which are further compounded by human biases during risk management processes. This thesis investigates the influence of heuristics and biases on risk assessment in infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on Dura Vermeer, a major Dutch construction firm. The primary research question addressed is: "How do heuristics and biases influence project risk assessment, and what role can serious gaming play in enhancing awareness and management of these cognitive factors?"

The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining literature review, semi-structured interviews with risk and project managers at Dura Vermeer, and a serious game designed to simulate decision-making processes.

The study identifies several common biases, such as the representativeness heuristic, affect heuristic, and optimism bias, which significantly impact risk assessments. The literature review provides a theoretical framework on the impact of heuristics and biases on risk management. Interviews reveal that while risk assessment at Dura Vermeer follows structured methodologies, biases still influence the decision-making processes. The serious game, incorporating real-life scenarios from Dura Vermeer's projects, demonstrates its effectiveness in engaging participants and fostering a collaborative environment where biases can be identified and addressed. The serious game also highlights discrepancies between perceived and actual use of biases, indicating a lack of self-awareness among professionals.

Findings suggest that although biases are acknowledged, there is a preference for objective risk assessment methods. Serious gaming emerges as an effective tool for increasing awareness of biases, thereby improving risk management practices. The study concludes with recommendations for integrating serious gaming into risk management training at Dura Vermeer, emphasizing its potential to enhance team dynamics and decision-making processes. This research contributes to both theoretical and practical understanding of risk management in construction, offering insights into how biases can be managed to improve project performance. The insights gained provide a foundation for further research and practical applications in the construction sector.