Identification and hierarchical structure of critical success factors for innovation in construction projects: Chinese perspective

Abstract

This paper identifies 20 critical success factors (CSFs) of innovation in China's construction projects through literature review, a case study and expert interviews. Integrated Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC (Impact Matrix Cross-reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification) analysis were used to hierarchically structure CSFs as well as to analyze their inter-relationships. The dependence and driver power of each factor were also analyzed. By doing this, this paper presents structural clarity and establishes a hierarchical order for prioritization for the decision-making. The findings show that most of the CSFs (19 out of 20) have strong inter-relationships. According to the law of vital few and trivial many, 80% of effects come from 20% of the causes for many events. This paper suggests that intensive effort should focus on the root source of CSFs: owner's involvement and leadership, top management commitment, and strategic importance of the innovation project. Besides, external support, which is beyond the innovation project network, plays an important role in the success of innovation in China's construction projects.

Keywords:

• China
• critical success factors
• construction innovation
• integrated structural modeling

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hui Liu

Hui LIU. PhD candidate of Civil Engineering Planning and Management at Central South University, Changsha, China. Joint-PhD student of Construction Engineering and Project Management at the University of Maryland (College Park), USA. Research interests mainly include management of construction innovation and implementation of advanced technologies in construction projects.

Miroslaw J. Skibniewski

Miroslaw J. SKIBNIEWSKI. Professor of Construction Engineering and Project Management at the University of Maryland (College Park), USA. A past winner of the U.S. National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award, the Walter L. Huber Research Prize from the American Society of Civil Engineers and a foreign member of the Russian Academy of Engineering. A holder of an honorary doctorate form Vilnius Gediminas Technical University in Lithuania. An author or co-author of over 200 technical publications. Research interests include automation and information technology issues related to construction project engineering and management.

Mengjun Wang

Mengjun WANG. Professor of Civil Engineering management at Central South Univeristy, Changshga, China. Director of Engineering Management Research Center at Central South Univeristy. Author or co-author of over 100 scholarly papers and a number of monographs on construction management. Research interests include management of construction innovation, construction technology and management, and construction economics.