An evaluation of success factors for construction projects in Ghana a case study of the Tema metropolis

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the largest job creators in developing countries and is highly competitive. Achieving success in public construction projects is difficult because it requires economy, efficiency, quality, fairness and transparency. Construction projects are undertaken upon the request of owners/clients and almost always involve multiple entities which are also accountable to external financial audit and statutory agencies. The aim of the study was to identify key success factors of construction projects in the Tema Metropolis of Ghana and to make recommendation for enhancing project performance. The study adopted a quantitative approach involving the development and administration of survey questionnaires design using survey questionnaire. A total of four hundred and ten (410) questionnaires were administered to project managers and foremen of construction companies. A response rate of 38% was achieved. The findings of the study revealed that, the key success factors included; involvement of stakeholders, utilizing up-to-date technology, political support and handover procedures. The results would be helpful to public construction project professionals in taking proactive measures for successful completion of public projects. The findings reveal that, both the project managers and foremen strongly support the identified critical success factors as significant in achieving project success. There was no significant difference in their perception of critical success factors based on their biographical characteristics.