Critical success factors influencing project success in the Durban construction industry

Abstract

This study presents an assessment of the perceptions of project managers and contractors regarding the critical success factors influencing project success in the Durban construction industry. To achieve this aim, questionnaires were administered to 95 project managers and 61 active grade four contractors in Durban. The critical success factors are encapsulated in components, that is, comfort, competence, communication and commitment (COMs). These components make up the four COMs model which forms a basis for evaluation of the questionnaires. An in-depth analysis review of the literature on the critical success factors in the construction industry has affirmed the four COMs model. The interpretation of this quantitative study was conducted with the use of descriptive and inferential statistics presented in a tabular format. The findings revealed that both project managers and contractors strongly support the critical success factors as significant in achieving project success. There was no significant difference in their perception of critical success factors, given the biographic differences between them. Achieving project success has eluded the Durban construction industry to a point where it is battling to keep existing clients. The critical success factors identified in this study have provided a way forward for project managers and contractors. Hence, the results presented in this study can be used as a guideline for successful execution of construction projects in Durban. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) can play a pivotal role by providing an enabling environment which will facilitate the adoption of the results of this study. For example, the CIDB can amend its legislation on contracts by making them simple to comprehend. In this way the number of lawsuits between project managers and contractors would be drastically reduced.