Does previous work experience matter in students’ learning in higher project management education?

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keshav Kumar Sharma ◽  
D. Israel ◽  
Bhavna Bhalla
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Project Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Postgraduate Programme

Purpose In view of the substantial gaps between desirable and actual competencies of project practitioners, there is a genuine and continual need to improve approaches towards project management education. The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine whether previous work experience of students pursuing a master’s programme in project management plays a role in their understanding and learning from the programme. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were collected from 282 respondents, who included working project professionals along with first-year (junior) and second-year (senior) students of a two-year postgraduate programme in project management. Considering the responses of working project professionals as the benchmark, the paper employs exploratory factor analysis and multiple comparisons to examine differences in the perceived importance given to factor groupings of critical success factors (CSFs) of construction projects by different respondent groups. Findings Results of the study suggest that irrespective of students’ seniority in the postgraduate programme, responses of students with previous project work experience more closely match the responses of project professionals, in contrast to students without such experience. The results indicate that students’ previous project work experience does play a role in their understanding and learning. In addition, the paper also identifies four factor groupings of CSFs and, diverging from past studies, conceptualises “alignment” as a new factor grouping. Practical implications Findings support the view that adequate previous work experience may be included as an essential qualifying requirement for pursuing higher education in project management. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first empirical studies that investigate the requirement of students’ previous work experience and reveals its significance in higher project management education.

The impact modeling of project management function behaviors on construction labor productivity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luong Hai Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Labor Productivity ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Bayesian Model Averaging ◽  
Model Averaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Project Management Professionals ◽  
The Impact

PurposeConstruction labor productivity (LP) is the key element in forming the success of construction projects. Numerous studies on the topic of critical success factors (CSFs) within construction LP have been conducted, but the results have rarely emphasized developing factors related to managerial function behaviors (MFBs) and examining its relationship with construction LP, a key criterion for measuring construction effectiveness; these less researched topics were the aims of this study.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical research studies were designed to develop managerial behavior's attributes based upon a literature adaptation and focus group studies (FGSs). Then, the causal relationships between MFBs and LP were examined by drawing on project-specific data collected from 195 completed construction projects in Vietnam, which was to the approach to an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Bayesian model averaging (BMA) technique.FindingsThe findings reveal that the MFBs' attributes were organized into a four-factor MFB framework: “cooperation emphasis (COOP),” “people orientation (PEOP),” “commitment emphasis (COMT)” and “leadership promotion (LEAD).” The findings reveal that COOP, PEOP and COMT have significant effects on LP.Originality/valueThe success of this approach is expected to broaden academic's horizons of factors affected LP and suggest a useful tool for supporting the project management professionals in enhancing construction LP and sustainability.

scholarly journals EVALUATION OF CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS – AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN LITHUANIA

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neringa Gudienė ◽  
Audrius Banaitis ◽  
Nerija Banaitienė
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Management Team ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Survey Results

This paper aims to identify a comprehensive list of critical success factors for construction projects in Lithuania. Based on the available literature review, this paper identified 71 success factors under 7 broad groups. Based on the survey results, ten factors including project manager competence, project management team members' competence, project manager coordinating skills, client clear and precise goals/objectives, project value, project management team members' relevant past experience, project manager organising skills, project manager effective and timely conflict resolution, client ability to make timely decision, and project manager experience were determined as the most important success factors for construction projects. These critical success factors are of great significance both to researchers and industry practitioners.

scholarly journals Evaluating critical success factors for implementing smart devices in the construction industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1625-1640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Alexander Silverio-Fernandez ◽  
Suresh Renukappa ◽  
Subashini Suresh
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success

Purpose The decentralisation of information and high rate of mobile content access in the construction industry provides an ideal scenario for improvement of processes via the implementation of the paradigm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart devices are considered as the objects interconnected in the IoT; therefore, they play a fundamental role in the implementation of digital solutions during the execution of construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to assess the critical factors for a successful implementation of smart devices in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study was performed in the Dominican Republic. This country, located at the heart of the Caribbean, presents an economy that strongly relies on the construction industry. Following a systematic approach, a qualitative data collection and analysis was performed based on semi-structured interviews and content analysis to professionals of construction companies in the Dominican Republic, enquiring the concept of smart devices and critical success factors for implementing the devices in the industry. Findings The key success factors obtained from the contestants were leadership, technology awareness, company size, usability of proposed solution, cost of implementation and interoperability. Originality/value This paper provides information to clients of the construction sector regarding the benefits of embedding smart devices into their business activities. Furthermore, this study provides a better understanding of the key factors to be considered by construction organisations when embedding smart devices into their projects. This study also provides recommendations for distinct stakeholders of the construction sector, such as policy makers, clients and technology consultants. Policy makers should especially consider factors such as technology awareness and leadership to develop the right policies for the integration of the IoT in construction projects. Technology consultants should be aware of the latest case studies of successful implementation of smart devices and IoT systems in the world in order to adapt and implement smart devices and IoT in their projects.

Critical success factors for Six Sigma implementation in Indian SMEs: an evaluation using AHP

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Davinder Singh ◽  
Gurwinder Singh
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Critical Success

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing Six Sigma framework affecting and influencing quality, operational and financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also intends to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate set of CSFs for effective implementation of Six Sigma using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Design/methodology/approach In this study, a significant number of small and medium manufacturing organizations have been extensively surveyed to ascertain the contributions made by CSFs toward successful deployment of Six Sigma. The evaluation and the ranking of the CSFs among others, as well as on an individual level have been worked out using AHP. Findings The research study reveals that 13 CSFs have scored 75.9% in the success index, which is a significant figure to consider the importance, as well as their contribution toward successful implementation of Six Sigma in Indian SMEs. Research limitations/implications The study mainly remains confined to the CSFs for Six Sigma implementation in SMEs from Indian subcontinent. Originality/value This paper contributes to the knowledge of academicians, practitioners and project managers by providing an insight into the evolution of the CSFs for implementing Six Sigma paradigms in Indian SMEs. The study drastically reduces implementation hassles and simplifies execution for empirical studies. The findings are not restricted to India but are generalizable and can globally used in deciding determinants of Six Sigma framework.

The critical success factors (CSFs) for Enterprise Software contract negotiations

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramaraj Palanisamy ◽  
Jacques Verville ◽  
Nazim Taskin
Keyword(s):  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Nonparametric Test ◽  
Enterprise Software ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Contract Negotiations ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Managerial Implications

Purpose – As the wrong Enterprise Software (ES) acquisition can lead an organization with chronically exceeded budgets and settling for minimum returns, so can an unfavorable contractual agreement. Often the acquiring organizations become vulnerable to risks and mistakes as the software contracts are habitually written using legal terminologies and mainly to the advantage of the vendor. To avoid costly ES contracting mistakes, the purpose of this paper is to empirically identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of contracting in the context of ES acquisition. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was conducted to gather the data for this study. Statistical analysis conducted for this study include descriptive statistics, factor analysis with reliability and validity tests and nonparametric test. Findings – The five key factors are: contractual assurance, forward compatibility and licensing; right to use, own and use of own, confidentiality and payment; software acceptance; license assignment; and vendor obligation for intellectual property. The research and managerial implications of these factors are given in discussion. Research limitations/implications – As with most empirical studies, the subjectivity of the opinion of respondents from only two industries presents some limitations to generalization. Another limitation is the respondent has been asked for the degree of criticality for each of the contracting issue given in the questionnaire. There could be critical issues other than the listed ones which are more specific to the organization. Practical implications – The results can be used by managers to improve their understanding on the critical contractual issues in ES acquisition negotiations. Originality/value – The significant value of this study identifies the CSFs for ES contract negotiations while acquiring the software.

ISO-9001 implementation and critical success factors of the Jordanian consulting engineering firms

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rateb Sweis ◽  
Nasser AL-Huthaifi ◽  
Afnan Alawneh ◽  
Wassim Albalkhy ◽  
Taghrid Suifan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Iso 9001 ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Engineering Firms ◽  
High Level ◽  
Consulting Engineering

PurposeThis paper aims at studying the level of implementation of ISO 9001 in Jordanian consulting engineering firms and to what extent does the implementation effectiveness affect the success of the construction projects. Moreover, the paper seeks to identify the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) that directly influence the ISO 9001 effectiveness in Jordanian consulting engineering firms.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was constructed and distributed to a sample of 125 employees from six ISO 9001-consulting firms. After collecting the data, exploratory factor analysis was utilized to validate the latent constructs (CSFs, ISO 9001 Effectiveness, and Firm Performance).FindingsThe findings suggest that firms experience a high level of ISO 9001 effectiveness. Moreover, among the five identified CSFs; employee attributes, external environmental pressure and quality system attribute had a significant impact on the ISO 9001 effectiveness, while internal motivation and firm attributes were insignificant.Originality/valueThe significance of this study lies in exploring such topic in the developing countries, since most of current studies were focused on developed contexts such as the USA and UK. Therefore, this research acts as a response to calls in the current literature regarding considering different industries and contexts.

Critical success factors for implementing design-build: analysing Malaysian public projects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Ping Lee ◽  
Rahimi A. Rahman ◽  
Shu Ing Doh
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Stakeholder Management ◽  
Test Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Projects ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Design Build ◽  
Survey Responses

Purpose The success rate of design-build (D-B) implementation in Malaysia’s private construction projects is low compared to the nation’s public projects. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the critical success factors (CSFs) for D-B implementation in Malaysian public construction projects. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the research objectives, 111 questionnaire survey responses from construction-related professionals were collected and analysed using multivariate analysis, including t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and factor analysis. Findings The results indicate that while the client’s briefing effectiveness remained the top CSF among many nations, the other top CSFs in Malaysia D-B construction projects vastly differed compared to those countries. Moreover, the underlying components for successful D-B projects in Malaysia include the project management team, leader competency and “stakeholder” management. Originality/value This is one of the first studies that identify the CSFs for D-B implementation in the Malaysian construction industry. The outcomes provide a valuable reference and resource for academic scholars and construction practitioners to increase D-B implementation in the Malaysian private sector.

Vienna Construction Projects: Redirection of Project Management Critical Success Factors—More Focus on Stakeholders and Soft Skills Development

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 337-359
Author(s):  
Helmut Wanivenhaus ◽  
Jure Kovač ◽  
Anja Žnidaršič ◽  
Igor Vrečko
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
The Public ◽  
Business Environments ◽  
Critical Success

Although research interest in project management is increasingly directed at analyzing development trends in different business environments, the public sector in this respect has received surprisingly little intention. This paper analyzes the perception of the relevance of particular project management critical success factors among project managers and other project stakeholders in the public sector with relatively high organizational project management maturity. The main focus of research is the city of Vienna and its construction projects. An extensive quantitative survey showed the changing perceptions of the key projects’ success factors—namely, strengthening the importance of developing soft skills and stakeholders’ management.

Critical success factors for BIM adoption during construction phase: a Singapore case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziwen Liu ◽  
Yujie Lu ◽  
Tushar Nath ◽  
Qian Wang ◽  
Robert Lee Kong Tiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Aec Industry

PurposeAs a pillar of integrated digital delivery (IDD), building information modeling demonstrates the tremendous potential to enhance productivity for the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry worldwide. However, the implementation of digital solutions presents numerous challenges related to its adoption and implementation. Distinguishing a comprehensive set of critical factors can facilitate the construction professionals to execute their strategies in a properly planned manner, thus augmenting the possibilities of successfully implementing BIM in their organization. This study aims to identify critical success factors (CSFs) for BIM adoption and implementation in Singapore.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted structured empirical questionnaire survey. Relevant data were collected from the various stakeholders in Singapore AEC industry through an online survey questionnaire. Furthermore, data analysis was done using SPSS Statistics software in order to identify the key factors (KFs) based on which the CSFs were derived for BIM adoption and implementation during the construction phase.FindingsFrom a set of 45 influencing factors, 35 KFs were derived after performing ranking analysis, from which a set of 26 CSFs were finally obtained based on the factor analysis methodology.Originality/valueThis study has identified the CSFs of BIM adoption in Singapore, as well as in the builders' perspective on how to enhance the digitalization in construction projects.

Comparative study of project management and critical success factors of greening new and existing buildings in Singapore

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 413-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sui Pheng Low ◽  
Shang Gao ◽  
Wen Lin Tay
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success

Purpose – With pressing issues of climate change, greening buildings have emerged as a viable solution for meeting the increasing demand for buildings with minimal environmental impacts. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to establish the possibility of achieving this goal by investigating the drivers, challenges, and critical success factors (CSFs) involved in greening existing buildings. Since most of the relevant literature focuses on only acknowledging CSFs for new building projects in general, this study seeks to distinguish CSFs that are particularly related to the greening of existing buildings. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a review of past literature, 28 selected factors were identified and were categorised into five main groups, namely pre-project-related factors, project management-related factors, client-related factors, project team-related factors, and external factors. Because older buildings have more constraints than new buildings, a comparison of the CSFs for greening new and existing buildings was also made. Surveys and interviews were conducted to validate the CSFs identified. Findings – The top CSFs in each building category (new vs existing) were then further examined and analysed. These are “top management support”, “effective planning and control”, “building owner's involvement”, “cost management”, “responsiveness of building owners”, “clear scope and priorities of stakeholders”, and “legislation”. Furthermore, there was a strong consensus on the rankings of most factors between new and existing buildings. Research limitations/implications – By understanding the factors that are crucial for managing and delivering successful green projects in the Singaporean context, these CSFs can be used to direct an organisation's efforts in identifying critical issues and tackling them to achieve high performance. Originality/value – An ambitious goal of greening 80 per cent of Singapore's building stocks has been set by the government in the Second Green Building Master Plan. To help achieve this goal, this study contributes to the knowledge of project management issues that would determine the success of managing new green building projects and retrofitting existing ones.

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