Factor analysis of the interface management (IM) problems for construction projects in Alberta

Abstract

Interface management (IM) is one of the major keys for construction project success. The severity of interface problems for different projects does not only delay the project, but also impacts overall project performance. This paper is an extension of a previous work that defined major IM problems in Alberta’s construction projects. This research study intended to investigate, identify, and classify interface problem factors in Alberta’s construction projects. The study included four stages. The first stage was a comprehensive literature review, pilot studies and face-to-face interviews in industry. In the second phase, a web-page questionnaire was conducted with participants from industry. Based on that, in the last two phases, a factor analysis and Pearson’s correlation matrix were applied on the collected data. The study identified six IM factors, namely: “management”, “information, bidding and contracting”, “by-law and regulation”, “technical engineering and site issues”, and “other interface problems”. Finally, correlation between IM factors and different construction data was tested. The data analysis results provided a comprehensive view of the main causes behind IM conflicts in Alberta’s construction industry.