A Decision-Making Model for Fast-Track High-Rise Buildings Using Structural Equation Modelling

Abstract

Fast-track is a project management technique used to address time constraints and schedule overrun on construction projects. One of the major impediments in the application of fast-track technique in Pakistan’s construction industry is the lack of a comprehensive decision-making model. The aim of this research is to develop a comprehensive decision-making model for fast-track high-rise buildings which can highlight the impact of each decision-making aspect on its relevant project success indicator i.e., time variance(TV), cost variance(CV), quality variance(QV) or scope variance(SV) and the impact of cost, quality, and scope variances on time variance. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to develop this model. Questionnaire based on 5-point Likert’s scale was used to collect data from 159 construction industry professionals. Data was analysed using smart PLS-4 software. Results showed that on fast-track projects, scope variance has the greatest impact on time variance whereas quality variance has the least impact. Early scope freeze, early involvement of the contractor in design phase and early procurement of long-lead-time items are the most important decisions on fast-track projects whereas quality optimization decisions have an adverse impact on project duration. The proposed model has high out-of-sample predictive ability making it a universally applicable decision-making model. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/pst.434