Exploring Interface Problems in Taiwan’s Construction Projects Using Structural Equation Modeling

Chien-Liang Lin and Chen-Huu Jeng
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Chien-Liang Lin: Department of Construction Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 824, Taiwan
Chen-Huu Jeng: Graduate Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 824, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2017, vol. 9, issue 5, 1-15

Abstract: Construction projects are complex systems that inherently contain complex interface problems. This study explored the root causes of interface problems in construction projects using structural equation modeling. This technique is a systematic approach that combines factor analysis and path analysis to investigate the causal relationships among multidimensional factors. The literature on construction interface problems was reviewed, and a questionnaire survey was conducted in Taiwan to identify 27 initial factors that cause interface problems in three dimensions: owner, design, and construction. Then, a series of structural equation models (SEMs) was developed to further explore the root causes of the interface problems and their causal relationships. This study has three main findings: (1) poor design causes interface problems; (2) ineffective communication and coordination among the owner, design, and construction dimensions are the main factors that cause construction interface problems; and (3) a lack of communication and coordination has a greater influence on the construction dimension than on the owner and design dimensions. The above findings can be used as important references and sustainable management strategies for academia and decision-makers in the construction industry.

Keywords: construction; project; interface; structural equation modeling; goodness-of-fit (GOF) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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