Barriers to Sustainable Building Project Performance in Developing Countries: A Case of Ghana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Ali Al-Otaibi (), Patrick Aaniamenga Bowan, Aasem Alabdullatief, Majd Albaiz and Mona Salah
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Ali Al-Otaibi: Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Shaqra University, Al-Dawadmi 11911, Saudi Arabia
Patrick Aaniamenga Bowan: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Wa P.O. Box 553, Ghana
Aasem Alabdullatief: Department of Architecture and Building Sciences, College of Architecture and Planning, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia
Majd Albaiz: Department of Architecture and Building Sciences, College of Architecture and Planning, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia
Mona Salah: Department of Civil Engineering, Horus University, New Damietta 7952567, Egypt

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-25

Abstract: The global building and construction industry faces increasing challenges related to efficiency, performance, and sustainability, which significantly impact project success, particularly in developing economies. The timely and successful completion of building and construction projects is crucial for economic development; however, various barriers hinder effective project execution. This study identifies and empirically analyzes the critical barriers affecting building and construction project performance in two developing countries with distinct economic profiles, Ghana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A comprehensive literature review and expert interviews identified fourteen key barriers to project performance, ensuring clarity and technical relevance. Using an empirical questionnaire survey targeting experienced professionals, including contractors, clients, and consultants, the study employed the Relative Importance Index ( RII ) and Spearman’s correlation analysis to rank and examine the interrelationships between these barriers. The findings reveal that poor communication ( RII = 0.831, ranked 1st), project cost and schedule constraints ( RII = 0.806, ranked 2nd), and inadequate monitoring and evaluation ( RII = 0.786, ranked 3rd) are the most significant barriers to project success in both contexts. These challenges align with global sustainability concerns, particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which emphasize resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban development. The study highlights the crucial role of decision makers, regulatory frameworks, and financial planning in overcoming these barriers and enhancing project outcomes. By addressing these constraints, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers, project managers, and industry stakeholders to improve project execution efficiency and foster sustainable building and construction practices. Future research should explore adaptive mitigation strategies and technological innovations that enhance project delivery efficiency in developing economies.

Keywords: building projects; challenges for project performance; construction industry; project success; developing countries; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA); Ghana (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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