Critical factors driving changes in construction projects: Evidence from Vietnam

Abstract

Construction projects in Vietnam tend to encounter challenges related to changes during the construction phase. It is particularly challenging to identify the root cause of these changes. This study focuses on pinpointing and analysing critical factors leading to project changes, thereby reducing investment efficiency. Drawing from extensive literature and expert insights, the study has identified 38 primary factors causing project changes within the Vietnamese context. These factors were ranked according to their frequency (FI), severity (SI), and importance (IMP.I) indices. The results indicate that “Inconsistent rules and standards” emerged as the top-ranked external factor, while “Poor, erroneous or incomplete drawings” stood out as the highest-ranked internal factor. In general, these key internal and external factors are likely to occur and exert influence on construction projects. The study primarily contributes to enriching the theoretical foundation enabling managers to navigate changes during construction project implementation.