Success traits for a construction project

Tabish, S Z S and Jha, K N (2012) Success traits for a construction project. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 138(10), pp. 1131-1138. ISSN 0733-9364

Abstract

Ensuring a successful outcome in a construction project has always been the aim of the construction project manager, and project management is used as a tool to achieve this goal. On the basis of the assumption that the project success is repeatable, researchers have indicated certain attributes/factors, which, when present in a project, are likely to make it successful. Traditionally, schedule, cost, and quality compliances, commonly referred to as the iron triangle, have been accepted as the most widely used criteria to define success. In this study, it is hypothesized that project success is influenced by success traits. Success traits have been defined as second-order constructs composed of two latent constructs, human factors and management actions. This study finds that human factors play a decisive role in making a project successful. The observed variables under these constructs were taken from a past study. The structural equation modeling technique has been used to test the hypothesized positive interrelationships between success traits and project success. The approach used in this study could be a good value addition in the field of construction management. In addition, the results would enable practitioners to focus on fewer factors rather than attending to numerous factors without getting commensurate returns.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: human factors; management actions; project success; structural equation modeling; success traits
Index terms: project management, project success, human factor, construction project, practitioner, structural equation modelling, compliance, manager
Subjects: practitioner, statistical analysis, occupational health and safety management, project management theory and practice, production management, health safety and environment
Topics: Research Practice, Project Management, Health and Safety, Roles and Professions
Descriptive scope: 3 PCA

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