A study of critical success factors beyond the iron triangle for building construction projects in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Many scholars have researched the relationship between the level of project success and the level of success in project deliverables. In the initial era of the project success, it is merely straightforward and was measured using single measures of Critical Success Factors (CSFs) based on predesigned structures. In subsequent era, project success was measured based on subjective and objective measures, which was time and perspective reliance. In the final two eras it has been identified that project success is correlative with the CSFs. However, Sri Lankan Project Managers are working tediously for the balancing of the iron triangle. The ultimate project success can’t be achieved at all the time by balancing the iron triangle because they are ignoring many other related factors. The main purpose of this research is to identify the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) of construction projects beyond the iron triangle with respect to building construction projects in Sri Lanka. The mixed type research design approach was adopted. Quantitative research was based on questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Whereas, qualitative research was conducted with the use of a literature survey and case studies. This study reveals that project success must be measured not only up to the handing over stage, but it should be extended up to a sustainable period of time. The success must be measured through levels of satisfaction and benefits gained by all the relevant stakeholders. Further, the study identifies 21 CSFs to measure the success of a project at different levels. All 21 factors were critical in the first two levels of the project and criticality of the factors reduced with time. Political risk and Economic risk are the most significant factors throughout the whole life cycle of the project.