IMPROVING PROJECT PERFORMANCE IN VIETNAM

Abstract

This study investigates the factors/ barriers that have significant impact on the performance of projects in Vietnam. It explains the generic concept of performance measures which are schedule, cost and quality performance. The aim of the study is to examine the enablers and the disablers of successful project performance in Vietnam. Under this aim, the specific objectives of this dissertation are: (1) to examine major factors that attributed to good performance in projects within Vietnam, (2) to find out major problems in project management that led to poor performance in Vietnam’s projects and (3) to compare projects with excellent and poor performance in order to propose a new and suitable Project Management framework for Vietnam’s construction industry. Three case studies of successful projects and another three case studies of unsuccessful projects were carried out to achieve an in-depth understanding on the factors and barriers that influence performance of projects in Vietnam. These projects included National Conventional Centre, commercial and residential developments and four bridges. Six case studies were analyzed using the nine Project Management knowledge areas. Major factors that led about project success are: clearly defined project scope and specification, good risk assessment study, extensive training to the staffs and general labours and market research to select the best material suppliers. Major disablers that led to project failure are: slow speed of decision making involving all project teams, inadequate staffing level to deliver the service, improper quality plan with safety and environment control and weak financial capacity of contractors and developers. The findings are useful to professionals involved in construction projects in Vietnam because they will have better understanding of the critical success factors/barriers identified through this study. For practitioners, the study can assist the parties in the construction industry to focus on the critical success project attributes in order to achieve project success.