CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This report describes a study undertaken to determine the factors which are critical to the management of successful construction projects. The investigation, which was originally commissioned by the Institution of Engineers, Australia, firstly involved an extensive review of the literature on this topic. During this phase of the investigation, it was discovered that a study with very similar objectives had been undertaken in the U.S.' during the mid 1970' s. This study, and specifically the research instrument that was used at that time, was adopted as a model for subsequent field analysis. Some 200 questionnaires were circulated in the South East Queensland area to a wide range of both public and private bodies associated with the construction industry. Using the 56 responses received, a series of statistical tests were undertaken on the data gathered to obtain what were perceived to be the key determinants of success. Although the sample size of this study was considerably smaller than that obtained in the original investigation, it proved possible to replicate many of the findings that had been observed and to uncover a number of new issues which are considered relevant to the success of projects in Australia during the 1990's. The primary conclusions of this study were that: -The determinants of success are multiple in number. -Many success determinants are factors which lie within the control of those who are managing the project.