PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Project Management: Evaluation of Critical Success Factors in Construction Projects

Project Management: Evaluation of Critical Success Factors in Construction Projects

Introduction

There is no doubt that every project entails intensive use of information and communication technologies (ICT). Project management of construction is among such domain, that not only requires the effective use of information and communication technologies in project but the success or failure of a project depends on them. From the phases of ideas and planning of construction project, ICT is being heavily utilized since the completion of the project. There are various software used in construction project. Form the planning to budget estimation to changes during the project to finishing, all tasks in construction projects performed using different software. MS Project, Project Management 2.0, SAP RPM are among the most common software for project management. The diversity and intensity of construction information has increased the need of effective management of information in construction management. Effective information management in construction projects has often been attributed as the competitive advantage in construction sector. The technological advancement in the field of information and communication has greatly benefited construction management, as it not only helps maintaining a smooth flow of communication but also aid in providing active support for construction projects. In past lack of access to information resources has been widely described as the main hurdle in construction project management, but with mobile devices it is now easy to access and communicate necessary project related information in typical construction projects.

There are number of studies conducted in relation to the above stated topic, however very handful data is available regarding the effective use of ICT in construction projects in United Kingdom, one of the fastest growing markets of the world. Moreover, majority of the studies conducted in past were specific to their environment of operations, context, implications and implementations are generally limited to other countries. Lacking is evident for making endeavors for the contextualization of the findings, which can be interpreted and applied to in local settings to United Kingdom.

The most important factor in effective management of information and communication channles for developing good relationship with the clients. There is a general perception regarding UK construction industry, which is underachieving. Many scholars attribute this term with the industry, because often the projects fail to achieve some of its targets, like cost, deadline etc. Due to lack of training and research and development activities in United Kingdom's construction industry, the profitability is considered very low. Little cooperation, limited trust, adversarial relationship and poor communications are among the few most important problems UK is facing. However, majority of the findings attributing these problems to the industry are based on hearsay and anecdotal evidence, failing to provide any empirical justification for well structured research method (Sage, Dainty & Brookes, 2010).

Thus, critical examination of the information and communication channels for aiding construction projects is significant. This will help in determining the success of construction project will aid in acquiring better and insight information regarding the industry, ...