Structured approach to measure performance in construction research and development: Performance measurement system development

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore performance measurement applications within construction research and development (R&D) to develop a structured approach to measure the performance of a collaborative construction R&D project during its lifecycle from initiation, conceptualisation, development, and launch stages, and during project management.

Design/methodology/approach

During the exploratory phase of the study, semi‐structured interviews and a questionnaire survey were carried out to develop the performance measurement system (PMS). During the explanatory phase, the developed PMS was refined with a series of semi‐structured interviews. The data were gathered from principal investigators, researchers and industrial partners involved in collaborative construction R&D work.

Findings

The main finding is the developed PMS to measure the performance of construction R&D that consists of critical success factors, performance indicators and performance measures during the lifecycle of a R&D project.

Practical implications

The PMS developed through the study provides critical success factors, performance indicators and measures that need to be considered during construction R&D projects to measure the performance. Thus, through the implementation of the PMS, this study contributes to practice by assisting the performance improvement within construction R&D projects.

Originality/value

The developed PMS to measure the performance of construction R&D projects will provide value for those who are engaged in R&D work (principal investigators, researchers and industrial partners) to ensure the success of their projects.

Citation

Kulatunga, U., Amaratunga, D. and Haigh, R. (2011), "Structured approach to measure performance in construction research and development: Performance measurement system development", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 60 No. 3, pp. 289-310. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410401111112005