Critical success factors of strategy-led planning of high-profile projects

Ramanayaka, C D E; Olatunji, O A and Rotimi, J O (2023) Critical success factors of strategy-led planning of high-profile projects. International Journal of Construction Management, 23(1), pp. 75-88. ISSN 1562-3599

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between project strategies and project outcomes. Technical rationality theory is critical to this relationship; although it has been criticised in extant studies for its inability to define soft issues that associate with real-world scenarios. Strategy-led approach is an alternative to technical rationality. Normative studies have acknowledged the ability of strategy-led approach to project implementation as though it facilitates reflective interaction with problem-solving. This study targeted 154 organizations that won practice excellence awards of the New Zealand Institute of Building’s (NZIOB) between 2001 and 2014. The awards are given to construction firms, adjudged through a rigorous competitive process as the most outstanding in the successful completion of high-profile projects in New Zealand. 40 valid responses from construction managers who completed projects that won NZIOB’s practice excellence awards were analysed to evaluate the impact of strategies on project objectives. In addition, 35 critical success factors explored from literature were considered for statistical analysis. Findings from regression analyses show project strategies impacted 13 critical success factors that significantly shaped cost, time and quality outcomes of award winners' projects. Negative impact of critical success factors was reported also. The study concludes that construction managers rely on project strategies as projects became increasingly challenging; the systems approach developed from such success-driven practices will benefit both the research and practice communities as they seek ways to optimise project success.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: critical success factors; practice excellence awards; project planning strategies; project scheduling; project success; reflective practice
Index terms: construction manager, critical success factor, project planning, rationality, project scheduling, strategy, construction firm, project strategy, interaction, implementation, regression analysis, reflective practice, New Zealand, project success, project outcome, statistical analysis
Subjects: behavioral psychology, statistical analysis, project controls, Geography, professional development, project management theory and practice, management, decision-making and reasoning, data science, contractual arrangements, strategic project management, control systems, profession, project completion, organization
Topics: Time Control, Procurement, Roles and Professions, Information Management, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Business Strategy
Descriptive scope: 4 PCTA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here