Factors contributing to poor performance in construction projects: studies of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Cost, time and quality are the prime factors for project management success. However, the problem of poor performance in construction projects is a global phenomenon and the construction industry in Saudi Arabia is no exception. This study is conducted to investigate the performance in construction projects in Saudi Arabia in order to identify the contributors to poor performance and their severity according to public owners, contractors and consultants through a questionnaire survey. Results indicate that owners rank ‘poor communication among project participants’ as the top severe factor affecting the performance in construction projects, followed by ‘poor labor productivity’ and ‘poor planning and scheduling’, respectively. Inputs of contractors indicate that the most severe factor is ‘payments delay’, followed by ‘escalation of material prices’ and ‘poor labor productivity’, respectively. Inputs of consultants underline that the top three affecting factors are: poor planning and scheduling, poor site management and payments delay respectively. Key project participants and researchers, could benefit from the findings and recommendations of this study. Although this study is related to views for respondents from Saudi Arabia, other developing countries could benefit from its results.