External Components of Premature Construction Project Closure

Construction project failures are often attributed to the slackness of different project stakeholders. However, it is important to note that the success or failure of construction projects can span from characteristics that could either be internal or external to the project. Thus, this study explores the elements external to a construction project that can lead to premature closure. Data for the study was gathered through a survey of construction professionals within the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The questionnaire survey was designed to collect data pertinent to achieving the aim of the study. The data gathered was analysed using descriptive analysis to rank the measured factors. The results revealed that environmental, social and political considerations are the important elements that lead to the failure of construction projects and lead to premature closure. It was, therefore, concluded that before project take-off, various environmental forecasts and analyses should be conducted to reduce the probability of project flow interruption, thus reducing the risk of closing projects prematurely.