This study presents exploratory work and seeks to identify and evaluate
the success and failure factors that could form a guideline for further
study and to some extent help professionals to understand some critical
aspects that impact project performance concerning construction in
India. A total of 55 attributes affecting the performance of
construction projects are analysed in terms of their level of influence
on four key performance criteria - schedule, cost, quality, and no
disputes - using a two-stage questionnaire survey. These attributes are
then further analysed, interpreted and evaluated.
Based on the critical success factors obtained from the study, a neural
network model-based predictive model for project performance has been
developed. The performance prediction models have been derived for all
four project performance criteria. Further, a hypothesis that 'project
success' is influenced by 'success traits' has also been formulated. The
hypothesized positive inter-relationships between success traits and
project success have been tested using the structural equation modelling
technique.
Besides supporting the intuition of past researchers in recognizing
'coordination' as a key success factor, this study has revealed that
coordination is not an isolated and independent activity, but is a
typical management function with an inherent role in all major
management activities. Key elements affecting coordination have also
been identified and their influence on coordination effort has been
studied. Furthermore, the present study has also identified three broad
skill groups required of effective project coordinators.
The results are validated through case studies of live projects and
structured interviews with experts in the field of construction
management.
