Improving the Performance of Highway Construction Projects: A managerial approach

Abstract

Highway Construction sector in India is much important as it is the 2^nd largest road network in the world with 5.89 million kilometers. Government policies focus on increasing the private participation for infusion of funds in the road development projects. This has attracted the foreign investors participation with many private sectors entering this business through Private Public Partnerships (PPP).In the Highway construction process better Construction Management strategies are still required for optimizing resources, maximizing the productivity and efficiency of the sector. Measurement for performance of the highway construction project as to meet the goals and objectives framed for the project with respect to time, cost and quality is lacking. This study aims to identify the key areas that enhance the performance of highway project thereby increasing the productivity and efficiency of the project.  A sorted out list of key performance indicators (KPI) for the Highway construction project was found. Data is collected by a direct closed questionnaire survey designed to obtain a comprehensive assessment of performance management and highway construction projects of different scales are related. The data is tested for fitness through chi-square (χ2) test. Analysis of data is done by Relative Importance Indicators (RII) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. For the critical KPIs (both RII & AHP) the Project Management Knowledge areas by PMBOK were discussed and the contribution of each critical KPI to the phases of highway construction project by PMBOK is found.