Blueprint to success: Project managers' perspectives on key factors influencing construction document quality in South Africa

Construction documents are critical to the successful delivery of projects, yet poor quality often leads to errors, delays, and disputes. This study identifies the key factors influencing document quality through a two-stage research design involving an online questionnaire with 32 project managers and in-depth interviews with four project management experts, each with 20 to 50 years of experience. Five key factors were identified: competence, procurement systems, time management, accuracy of design information, and communication. Competence emerged as the most influential factor, emphasizing the importance of appointing qualified professionals with the appropriate skill set. The study also highlights systemic issues with procurement practices, noting that cost-based selection frequently undermines quality - a challenge particularly relevant to the South African context. Additionally, effective time management, clear communication, and maintaining accurate design information were recognized as critical project management elements that directly impact construction documentation quality. This study advances the global body of knowledge in construction engineering and management by offering a nuanced, project manager-centered understanding of the factors affecting document quality, an area that has received limited academic attention. The research captures deep qualitative insights from seasoned professionals, providing value for both academia and industry.