A performance evaluation framework of construction projects: insights from literature

The present work attempts to develop a theoretical framework of the performance evaluation of construction projects based on six key performance indicators (KPIs) namely time, cost, quality, safety, minimum site disputes and environmental impact. These KPIs were identified through literature review and discussions with project management professionals. For evaluating the performance on the above KPIs, several characteristic features pertaining to the project, project environment and the stakeholders associated with the project have been identified through an extensive literature review. These characteristic features, termed as critical success factors (CSFs), have been suitably classified under six broad heads based on their commonalities and unique features. The six CSFs are named as project-related, client-related, consultant-related, contractor-related, supply chain-related and external environment-related factors. We have demonstrated the relationship between CSFs and overall project performance with the help of a conceptual diagram. The diagram reveals how the factors influence the performance of a construction project and also how the factors themselves are related to each other. In addition, it also shows how the overall performance leads to community satisfaction. This has been discussed through a set of nine propositions. We have concluded by highlighting the contributions of the paper to the existing body of project management literature.