Determination of Contractor Strategies in Delivering Construction Projects in Oman

Abstract

Contractors are responsible to deliver construction projects as per contract. Past literature highlighted various implications of poor project delivery and as the ones who are responsible to deliver the project, contractors need to plan and strategise to ensure their projects are successfully delivered to the client. This article focuses on identifying the strategies adopted by Omani main contractors to deliver construction projects successfully. Using 48 strategies identified through literature review, a survey has been conducted with 108 main contractors in Oman with top grade level of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) to investigate the significant strategies adapted ensuring successful project delivery. The top grade level contractor is on the focus of this research because they are involved as main contractors for construction projects in Oman. Using factor analysis technique, the 48 strategies have been reduced into 28 sub-strategies which are grouped into 7 main strategies. The seven main strategies are: (1) People and subcontractor management, (2) Technology and innovative solutions adoption, (3) Quality, safety and environmental protection, (4) Develop technical capability, monitor and control, (5) Organisational efficiency and financial stability, (6) Legislative compliance and (7) Clients’ satisfaction. This research revisits the successful strategy for project delivery and restructures them to suit the practices in Oman. The strategy can be emulated by contractors in the country and perhaps other Middle East countries, as a way to expedite better construction performance.