Identification and prioritization of influential criteria in the failure of construction industry projects during the operation phase from a project management perspective

Ayati, Hamidreza; Saeedi, Farhad; Yousefi, Saeed; Zandpourasl, Mahyar

doi:10.22034/uep.2026.569118.1813

Identification and prioritization of influential criteria in the failure of construction industry projects during the operation phase from a project management perspective

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Hamidreza Ayati ¹

Farhad Saeedi ²

Saeed Yousefi ³

Mahyar Zandpourasl ⁴

¹ M.Sc., Department of Project Management and Construction, Faculty of Architectural Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Project Management and Construction, Faculty of Architectural Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

⁴ M.Sc., Department of Construction Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/uep.2026.569118.1813

Abstract

The present study aims to identify and prioritize the influential criteria contributing to the failure of construction industry projects during the operation phase from a project management perspective. Since the long-term performance of buildings during their operational period determines the true success of the project, and studies indicate the gap in local frameworks in this area, this research employed a qualitative content analysis-based grounded theory approach. Data were collected through two principal channels: a systematic review of 23 reputable domestic and international scientific articles, and semi-structured interviews with 20 experts and specialists in project management and the construction industry, from which 15 responses were selected for final analysis using purposive sampling. The collected data were analyzed using MAXQDA software, resulting in the extraction of 59 conceptual codes categorized into eight principal components for failure factors, as well as 45 conceptual codes categorized into eight principal components for optimization and prevention strategies during the operation phase. The findings indicate that deficiencies in primary design and engineering, the absence of comprehensive maintenance and repair programs, inefficient human resource management, stakeholder misalignment, and the deliberate neglect of tacit and experiential knowledge held by local operators constitute the most critical reasons for project failure, despite apparent success in the traditional triangle of time, cost, and quality. Conversely, strategies such as implementing asset lifecycle management, employing life-cycle costing analysis, empowering operation teams, and establishing intelligent monitoring systems can significantly contribute to enhancing the long-term sustainability of project performance. The comprehensive model proposed in this research provides an operational framework for project managers, employers, and construction industry policymakers, enabling them to adopt a preventive and systematic approach to avert costly failures during the operational phase.

Keywords

Construction Project Failure Criteria

Construction Project Management

Failure Prevention Strategies during the Operation Phase

Identification and Prioritization

Subjects

Urban planning

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