Critical COMs of success in large-scale construction projects: Evidence from Thailand construction industry

Abstract

Study of success factors in large-scale construction projects is increasingly relevant. Underlying relationships among the factors that contribute to project success can provide important insights for success on future projects. Therefore, major objective of this paper is to explore such underlying relationships and examine how these relationships can be useful to further explain success in large-scale construction projects. In order to elicit the perception of critical success factors for large-scale construction projects, questionnaire and interview surveys were employed with construction professionals. Factor analysis was used to examine the underlying relationships of success factors which resulted in formulation of four factor groupings which were together called critical COMs of success and were labeled as COMprehension, COMpetence, COMmitment, and COMmunication, respectively. Critical COMs provide a very simple understanding of success in large-scale construction projects. These factor groupings can be easily understood and remembered by all project stakeholders. Project managers can also use the critical COMs to evaluate their current project and compare the perceived and real success factors for knowledge management exercise.