A structural equation modelling analysis of factors influencing successful project delivery in South African public sector

Abstract

PURPOSE An empirical gap exists in South African literature on the key factors that influence successful project delivery of public sector construction and engineering projects. Prior research has focused primarily on select aspects of project delivery within a limited South African context . This study provides an outline for gaining a deeper understanding of unexplored and unique influences that govern the public sector construction and engineering industry in South Africa. An empirical investigation of the above issues assists in refining the key influencing factors and in developing a proposed strategic infrastructure delivery management structural model for the successful delivery of public sector construction and engineering projects in South Africa. DESIGN The study employs methodological triangulation through semi-structured interviews and a scaled survey questionnaire to ascertain the views of the research participants experiences, opinions and factors that influence successful construction project delivery in the South African public sector environment. The research data collected from the triangulation methods were further analysed through empirical analysis and through the adoption of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to develop a proposed strategi. infrastructure delivery management structural model FINDINGS The research study findings contribute practically and theoretically to the prevailing body of knowledge and provides a foundation for policymakers and industry stakeholders to develop a Strategic Infrastructure Delivery Management Model for implementation by public sector institutions and key industry stakeholders. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS The research study will be limited to Kwazulu-Natal due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, a quantitative research study will be conducted through the adoption of survey questionnaires amongst 750 construction and engineering sector stakeholders from organisations are registered with the Construction Industry Development Board, who represent their organisations' views and opinions. VALUE The research study contributes to the existing body of knowledge as it serve as a basis for further research into infrastructure delivery and management systems within developing countries and more specifically, the study provides the basis for research into the efficacy and appropriateness of infrastructure delivery management systems as a successful tool for infrastructure delivery management in the South African public sector environment