Abstract:
Several developing countries at various levels of socio- economic development have
recognized the need and importance of taking measures to improve the performance of
their construction industry. One of the means to this end has been the use of effective
site managers in project execution. The aim of this study was to empirically examine
the impact of site managers‘ managerial skills on construction project success. The
study employed quantitative survey approach. Questionnaire was the main data
collection tool. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the site managers
from Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. The total sample size for the study was
84. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as factor
analysis, Pearson product moment correlation coefficient as well as multiple regression
techniques for analyzing relationships between variables. The findings of the study
suggest that site managers in Ghana possessed technical skill such as the ability to
assimilate and use technical information; as well as the ability to use project
management tools, and methods to carry out project. The study‘s findings further
revealed that leadership skills, administrative skills, communication skills, team
building/delegation skills, and problem solving/decision making skills have greater
impact on project success. Also, the technical skill element provides synergistic
enhancement to construction project success. The findings also suggest that, soft skills
(human skills) of site managers have greater impact on project success than the hard
skills. Additionally, site managers‘ experience and training acquired have influence on
their effectiveness and project success. In conclusion, practicing site managers who
choose to embark on self improvement should be more concerned and focus their
efforts on soft skills than hard skills. The study recommends effective and regular
training of site managers to enhance their effectiveness.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of CONSTRUCTION AND WOOD
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, Faculty of TECHNICAL EDUCATION,
Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Philosophy
(Construction Technology) degree.
NOVEMBER, 2016