Moderating Effect of Senior Management Support on the Relationship Between Schedule Delay Factors and Project Performance

Schedule delays in construction projects are often a major concern and considered as a global phenomenon in the construction industry. In regard to project delivery, lack of senior management support is one of the main issues that impact project outcomes. This empirical research study aims to investigate the moderating effect of senior management support on the relationship between schedule delay factors and project performance. A questionnaire survey method was adopted to collect data from project directors, project managers, civil and construction engineers, project supervisors and experts from small, medium and large construction companies from major cities in Pakistan. A response rate of 84% was obtained based on 310 valid responses from a sample of 368 potential participants that received the survey. The cross sectional data were used to test direct relationships and moderating effect through regression analysis and ‘process’ method, respectively. The findings indicate that schedule delays in construction projects occur due to lack of commitment, insufficient site management, poor site coordination, lack of clarity in project scope, lack of communication and substandard contracts, in addition to major delays owing to improper planning. Moreover, the relationship between schedule delay factors and project performance is moderated by all dimensions of senior management support, i.e. providing resources, structural arrangements, communication, expertise and power.