Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering

Dr. Hadi Sarvari

Birmingham City University
UK

Abstract Title: Perceived Critical Success Factors (CSFs) in the Development of Construction Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Developing Countries

Biography:

Dr Hadi Sarvari is presently a senior researcher at Birmingham City University. His research area focuses on construction safety and health and sustainability. He has also served as a researcher at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and as an assistant professor in construction management at the Islamic Azad University Isfahan (Iran). In 2018, he was awarded the Best Lecturer Award in the educational field. He was also awarded as a distinguished researcher in 2021. He authored and co-authored more than 80 scientific articles and books in the following fields: PPP projects, safety and risk management, BIM, and maintenance management.

Research Interest:

An examination of the operations of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries demonstrates a strong and productive correlation between the socio-economic advancement of the nation and these entities. The increasing prevalence of SMEs in these countries, together with the implementation of supportive governmental policies in developmental issues, signifies that these enterprises present a distinctive opportunity for emerging societies. This study aims to analyse the critical success factors (CSFs) in the growth of construction SMEs in developing countries amidst the expansion of construction projects. The current research was carried out in 2024 utilising a descriptive survey methodology for applicable purposes. Consequently, the number of 40 experts from construction SMEs in developing countries was selected as a statistical sample based on snowball sampling. In this vein, a questionnaire encompassing four dimensions (project manager characteristics, project management and control, technology, and project environment) and comprising 38 CSFs was developed utilising two Delphi rounds following comprehensive literature review. The data analysis was done utilising SPSS and SmartPLS softwares through both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results demonstrated that all items and dimensions of the questionnaire are regarded as CSfs in the advancement of SMEs in developing countries. According to the Friedman test for dimensions ranking, the project manager's characteristics, technology, project management and control occupies, and project environment have the highest impact on the development of construction SMEs in developing countries. The study will assist major project stakeholders and SMEs in making development and innovation adoption decisions, particularly in developing countries.