Impact of site managers’ managerial skills on construction project success (CPS) (a case study of construction firms in Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi)

Abstract

Several developing countries at various levels of socio- economic development have recognized the need and importance of taking measures to improve the performance of their construction industry. One of the means to this end has been the use of effective site managers in project execution. The aim of this study was to empirically examine the impact of site managers‘ managerial skills on construction project success. The study employed quantitative survey approach. Questionnaire was the main data collection tool. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the site managers from Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. The total sample size for the study was 84. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as factor analysis, Pearson product moment correlation coefficient as well as multiple regression techniques for analyzing relationships between variables. The findings of the study suggest that site managers in Ghana possessed technical skill such as the ability to assimilate and use technical information; as well as the ability to use project management tools, and methods to carry out project. The study‘s findings further revealed that leadership skills, administrative skills, communication skills, team building/delegation skills, and problem solving/decision making skills have greater impact on project success. Also, the technical skill element provides synergistic enhancement to construction project success. The findings also suggest that, soft skills (human skills) of site managers have greater impact on project success than the hard skills. Additionally, site managers‘ experience and training acquired have influence on their effectiveness and project success. In conclusion, practicing site managers who choose to embark on self improvement should be more concerned and focus their efforts on soft skills than hard skills. The study recommends effective and regular training of site managers to enhance their effectiveness.