A framework for successful construction project performance

The performance of construction project developments associated with the ability to meet the core business mission of the project sponsor; the project objectives and the customer needs should be capable of being measured by a form of performance measurement tool. The performance of a project has a bearing on the prediction of project success (process and product) while critical success factors (CSFs) of a project could affect project performance. Furthermore, project efficiency and effectiveness measures are important to judge the level of project performance and success. In addition, it is also important for project clients to consider other project stakeholders' needs and expectations apart from their own specific needs and interests in the development of construction projects. Thus, the overall aim of the research is to develop a framework for successful construction project performance for project clients that embraces the four phases of a project life cycle (strategy formulation, procurement, implementation and project completion phase). Empirical research undertaken by means of a questionnaire survey (conducted in the Malaysian construction industry) among the four groups of project stakeholders (government, private clients, consultants, and contractors) resulted in a total of 93 valid responses being received. The results were analysed by means of various statistical methods including mean score value analysis, analysis of variance and factor analysis. In order to underpin the questionnaire survey, six case studies were conducted by using structured interviews with clients, architects, civil and structural engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, and contractors. The findings from the research were then used to develop a model for successful project performance and project success. The model was validated using a validation questionnaire survey. The research shows that the CSFs for successful project performance are: project objectives (strategy formulation phase); client attributes, project attributes, clear and concise project brief, procurement and delivery strategy, project feasibility, completeness of drawings and documentation (procurement phase); management capabilities, stakeholder management and integration, minimal bureaucratic and control measures, responsibilities and allocation of resources (implementation phase); and commissioning and defect rectification programmes (completion phase). The framework shows that, in order to achieve successful project performance, the parties should embrace project success criteria including integration of project stakeholder needs and expectations, performance measurement, process improvement strategies and project success measures across the four project phases. The validation of the model shows that the project stakeholders are supportive of the ability of the model to achieve successful project delivery and 93.3% of the validation respondents would consider using the model on a live project.