Core Competencies Required for Construction Project Success: The Project Management Angle

Abstract

Projects are designed to accomplish a specific goal within a predetermined amount of time, but not every project meets its goals within the allotted time frame. In order for a construction project to be executed successfully, a competent team has to work closely together and implement project goals, and a project manager usually leads the team. For any project to succeed, every stakeholder, including the sponsor and implementation team, is responsible for its completion. However, the project manager has a vital role to play. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the core competencies necessary for successfully completing a construction project. The study, conducted in Gauteng Province, South Africa, surveyed construction professionals. Survey results were used to develop a relative importance index. Findings from the survey revealed that innovative thinking, problem-solving skills, dependability, emotional maturity and control, confidence are vital traits required from project stakeholders to successfully complete projects. The study classified the identified competencies into two categories relating to personality traits and managerial traits. It was, therefore, concluded specific competencies must be inherent in project team members and management for a project to reach successful completion.

Keywords: Project Success Competencies, Critical Success Factors, Construction Process, Project Team Competencies, Project Team Selection

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1002368