Windapo, A; Alade, K; Lefoka, M; Lefokotsane, K and Mundoma, T (2024) The role of construction managers' competencies in enhancing project performance. In: Thomson, C (ed.) Proceedings of 40th Annual ARCOM Conference, 2-4 September 2024, London South Bank University, UK.
Abstract
The impact of a construction manager's competencies on project performance is crucial in ensuring the successful delivery of a construction project. However, limited studies have investigated the link between construction managers' competencies and project performance. This study examines the impact of construction managers' competencies on project performance in South Africa's construction industry. It uses qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including interviews and surveys, to gather data from 14 construction managers across various firms. The results suggest that critical competencies, such as communication, leadership, planning, problem-solving, adaptability, and technical abilities, play a significant role in project performance. Communication emerged as having the most substantial influence on project outcomes in project scope achievement and client satisfaction. Despite meeting quality and scope objectives, the study found that challenges still need to be addressed in meeting time and cost expectations. The study concludes that a balanced blend of soft and technical skills is critical for project success and recommends further training and skill development for construction managers. Further research is recommended to explore other aspects of managerial competencies and their impact on project performance.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communication; construction industry; interpersonal skills; leadership; planning; technical skills |
| Index terms: | interpersonal skill, South Africa, construction industry, client satisfaction, project performance, adaptability, construction manager, construction project, project scope, methodology, project outcome, survey, skills development, technical skill, project success, interview |
| Subjects: | research methods, personnel development, project management theory and practice, professional development, Geography, production management, industry analysis, client relations, project completion, user focus, profession, data collection methods, scope management, human factors and perception |
| Topics: | Human Resources, Design Practice, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Information Management, Project Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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