Critical Factors Affecting Schedule Performance: Evidence from Indian Construction Projects

TLDR

Over 40% of Indian construction projects experience time overruns of 1–252 months, prompting research into underlying causes and remedial measures. The study aims to identify 55 attributes affecting project performance and evaluate their relative impact through a two‑stage questionnaire survey. Attributes were presented to professionals in questionnaires, and statistical and factor analyses grouped them into six critical success factors and seven critical failure factors, followed by a second‑stage survey to assess their influence. The analysis identified commitment of project participants, owner competence, and conflict among participants as key factors, with their influence varying by performance level, guiding professionals to prioritize these factors for optimal outcomes.

Abstract

Over 40% of Indian construction projects are facing time overrun ranging from 1 to 252 months; the reasons for which are being studied by researchers to suggest possible remedial measures. This paper identifies 55 attributes responsible for impacting performance of the projects. These attributes were then presented to Indian construction professionals in the form of a questionnaire. Statistical analysis of responses on the attributes segregated them into distinct sets of success attributes and failure attributes. Factor analysis of sets of success attributes and failure attributes separately grouped them into six critical success factors and seven critical failure factors. In order to understand the extent of contribution these factors have on the outcome of a construction project, a second stage questionnaire survey was also undertaken. The analyses of responses of the second stage questionnaire led us to conclude that two success factors and one failure factor: commitment of project participants; owner’s competence; and conflict among project participants contribute significantly in enhancement of current performance level of the project. The extent of their contribution has, however, been observed to vary for a given level of project performance. The analyses results are expected to help project professionals to focus on a few factors and get the optimum results rather than giving attention to all the factors and not getting the proportionate results.