Rationalizing the Implementation of Web-Based Project Management Systems in Construction Projects Using PLS-SEM

Abstract

While web-based project management (WBPM) systems have been widely implemented in most construction projects, the current literature lacks any clear consensus on rationalizing such decisions across the industry. In an attempt to understand the factors influencing the implementation of web-based systems and their performance in construction projects, a theoretical structural model has been established, termed the partial least-square structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The effect of six latent variables on the performance of WBPM systems has been analyzed using the empirical data collected from a questionnaire survey of 77 respondents within the construction industry. The results of the data analysis suggest that the implementation of web-based systems (PMB) is rationalized with the two key factors being complexity (PC) and information streamline (IS) in the project. The general perception of increased users’ satisfaction (US) and transparency and accountability (TA) has no strong empirical basis for rationalizing the use of web-based systems across projects. Effective monitoring and control (EMC) during project delivery can only be marginally enhanced by implementing WBPM systems. The key significance of this research is the unfolding of tacit knowledge of these key factors and addressing the limitations reported in previous research in the context of implementation of WBPM systems. Appropriate consideration of these factors would potentially contribute to the development of company procedures or to enhance existing knowledge within the construction industry.